Raptors need to make a move and what they should do to take their team to the next level.
Assembling the right team is essential to the Raptors' success. Remaining stagnant won't get them to the next level - they need to be willing to make changes that improve their lineup and increase their competitiveness. With the current roster, they will struggle against more experienced teams.
Importantly, they must address their weaknesses in offence, defence and depth. They have an opportunity to make strategic moves at the trade deadline, with an eye towards both short-term gains and longer-term objectives.
Proficient long-range shooting would be beneficial for spacing out opposing defences and creating meaningful driving lanes for their slashing guards. Similarly, adding a big man who can anchor a defence but also step out to guard smaller lineups when necessary could improve rim protection and make them a multi-dimensional threat in crunch time.
Most excitingly, the Raptors now have a surplus of draft capital which could allow them to acquire talent or package into trade deals for even more talented players if needed. All things considered, many steps can be taken to help turn this team into an unstoppable force in the Eastern Conference.
We need either more three-point shooting or a true NBA-ready center.
Shooting is a crucial part of championship contention. To be successful in the modern NBA landscape, it's essential to have snipers on your team that can constantly spread the floor. This allows dribble penetration and helps create driving lanes for your team's ball handlers. Raptors' struggles from deep have been their biggest problem this year; something that can't be overlooked. We need better 3-point shooting to compete in the NBA.
At the same time, having a true NBA-ready center can be just as important as shooting. A dominant big man can provide a presence in the post and great rim protection while effectively controlling the boards. Christian Koloko is not yet ready; he needs at least a couple more years to develop into an everyday NBA center. By pairing a solid shooter and an intimidating low-post force, the Raptors could be well on their way to competing for another NBA championship title.
The Toronto Raptors are in a unique situation. They have an All-NBA star in Pascal Siakam at the peak of his career, plus a young and promising core of OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes as its centrepieces. With their potential for success in the next few years, they need to be innovative and aggressive in building the roster, which could include making a big trade.
It is now prime time to be aggressive and innovative in building their roster to ensure they reach their goals. This may include big trades that bring the necessary assets to take their game to the next level.
With the likes of Gary Trent Jr and Fred VanVleet’s soon-to-be free agents, as well as their first-round picks, Toronto could easily pull off a big move. They could leverage these assets for a slew of possibilities, whether to acquire an unexpected star or shake up their roster entirely. Either way, the Raptors appear to be in an excellent spot for potentially making some moves within the league. Raptors will need to be daring and bold, to push boundaries and think unconventionally if they want to create something unprecedented. It takes courage to reimagine what is possible - but sometimes it pays to take the calculated risk and see it through.
The time is now!
The Raptors owe it to themselves and their fan base to explore all options when considering how best to utilize these incredible resources. There may be talent available via trade that remains untapped, with specific circumstances presenting an opportunity for Toronto that can't be passed on. There's no mystery when it comes down to decision-making time: improving the present situation through trading or otherwise is what must be done around this franchise if true long-term success is desired by those involved with think tank leadership, players and coaches alike.
A culture of winning has been established in recent years, and every effort must be made not only to maintain but exceed these expectations that have been set before them - this is where big risks come into play and need feed taken if championships are indeed aimed after in the near future.
The stage is all set for exciting opportunities, so let's hope Raptors make all the right moves that prove beneficial over the long haul!
