The Raptors are Still in the Race
We can't lose hope. The Raptors have all the pieces they need to make a run for the playoffs. Despite their current issues, they are still firmly in the mix of teams vying for post-season positioning. It's still too early in the season. With their depth and talent, an eventual return to form is likely – and when it does happen, watch out! It’s going to be exciting to see the growth. The Toronto Raptors need to figure out what their identity is. They need to return to their roots, the style of basketball that won them a championship in 2019. This is a defensive-minded team that creates nightmares for superstars. This is a team that makes it difficult for opponents to score, and they turn them over possession after possession. The Raptors need to get back to basics and become the best defensive team in the NBA again. That's how you get over your poor three-point shooting.
The three-point shot is not working for the Raptors!! They need to rely more on dribble penetration!
The Raptors' lack of three-point shooting is a significant concern right now. There's no one denying that. They simply don't have any reliable options from long-range, and it's hurting their offence. If Fred Vanvleet and Gary Trent are on and off. The solution to this problem is to focus on getting better looks inside the arc, primarily through dribble penetration. This would allow them to take advantage of their overall length and attack the rim instead of settling for long-range shots that aren't falling. Additionally, making smart passes will help open up lanes for drivers and cutters, leading to more efficient looks near the basket. With a more aggressive, inside-out approach, the Raptors have a much better chance of sustaining offensive production and eliminating their so often droughts throughout the game.
Be the best defensive team in the NBA.
The Raptors need to find ways to help their stars play to their strengths! Their strengths are length, defence and switchability. The Raptors need to be even more aggressive on defence and use their length and athleticism to create even more turnovers. Most importantly, though, They need to also stay in front of people. Their advantage is staying in front of people with length and quickness. That's who they are, right?
More dribble penetration, more ball movement and more turnover creation.
The Raptor's key to success is beating teams in more dribble penetration inside night after night. By using their weapons of long arms, athleticism, and defensive principles, they can force the other team to take the shots they don’t want. Not only that, but they need to be more effective in ball movement and player movement on offence as well. This will help open up driving lanes to get everyone involved and keep the defence guessing.
But there's nothing wrong with taking a shot. Sometimes, the best way to win is to shoot your way in. That'll come in time!!! However, this lengthy, all 6'8" and 6'9" lineup of the Toronto Raptors is not constructed for 3-point-shooting. That's the reality. The roster is constructed to defend first. The Raptors need to focus on the defensive end and use their length, switchability, and basketball IQ to create turnovers. These stops can lead to transition buckets and, in turn, help improve their shooting percentages.
It’s important for the Raptors not to panic during this difficult stretch. Yes, they are facing many challenges, but they have the talent and depth to turn things around.
