TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 25: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors and DeMar DeRozan #11 of the ... [+] Chicago Bulls talk during the second half at Scotiabank Arena on October 25, 2021 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
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The Toronto Raptors were broadly viewed as a no-nonsense playoff team going into the 2022-2023 campaign, and so far those expectations have fallen flat. The organization is currently 22-27, and sitting uncomfortably outside the play-in tournament.
While most of the roster has stayed intact, a combination of poor on-court chemistry and wonky half-court offense, has set the Raptors back.
Collectively, Toronto is taking the fourth-most long two-pointers in the NBA. Shots from beyond 16 feet, but inside the three-point line, make up for nine percent of the team's offense. That wouldn't have been a bad thing, necessarily, if they were able to convert those attempts at a decent rate. Instead, they're second-to-last in the NBA in efficiency from that area, hitting just 34.9%, or 6.5 percentage points lower than league average.
It doesn't help matters that the Raptors also sport the league's third-to-last conversion rate from three-point range, hitting a remarkably unimpressive 33.4% on the year, as well as just 69.7% right near the rim, ranking 17th in the league.
In short, the Raptors really aren't efficient from anywhere, despite having a fairly solid talent base of Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby, and Gary Trent Jr. All of them are averaging over 15 points per game, but not a single one is hitting over 48% from the field, or over 37% from long range.
So, what to do?
A trade would seem fairly obvious as a the deadline looms, but what type of player should the Raptors target?
While irony runs deep here, Chicago's DeMar DeRozan - a former Raptor - is the exact archetype the club currently needs. DeRozan is efficient from virtually everywhere inside the arc, one of the best post players in the NBA, and he draws fouls like nobody's business.
DeRozan would immediately be the second-best ballhandler on the team, can carry the offensive burden for long stretches, and would function as a closer late in games, elements the Raptors are sorely in need of this season.
Of course, getting DeRozan on board would cost a pretty penny, and the Bulls would unquestionably ask for Anunoby in return, which is where issues arise. The 25-year-old is rumored to fetch an absolute haul on the trade market, with some even bringing up the Rudy Gobert package that Minnesota sent to Utah as a blueprint.
DeRozan's value, while substantial in its own right, falls flat on those expectations.
VanVleet for DeRozan also doesn't make a lot of sense given that the Raptors would be left with very little perimeter shooting and ballhandling, two areas they can't afford to give up. DeRozan, for all he brings to the table, isn't a three-point shooter, and without VanVleet, he'd be overtasked as the primary play initiator.
Besides, the All-Star point guard can opt out this summer, foregoing $22.8 million for a larger payday. The Bulls aren't going to give up DeRozan for a possible rental.
Siakam is almost assuredly off-limits in any such trade. He's younger, and overall better, than DeRozan. That would likely be a non-starter for Team President Masai Ujiri, unless the Bulls were to sweeten the pot, which they don't really have the assets to do anyway.
That leaves Barnes and Trent Jr, and you could make a case that neither player makes sense. Trent Jr simply doesn't have enough value to fetch DeRozan, and the Raptors would have to include a small treasure chest of add-ons to make it worthwhile, which seems unlikely they'd be willing to do. Trent Jr's value is further problematic by the fact that he can opt out of his deal this summer, and become an unrestricted free agent. There's just no way the Bulls sacrifice DeRozan for what could be a half-year rental.
As for Barnes, the Raptors are keenly aware of his status as last year's Rookie Of the Year, and the potential he has. While he currently isn't close to being the player that DeRozan is, the future is yet unwritten, and that allure likely makes it a tough sell for the Raptors.
Overall, the Raptors are in a tough spot trade wise. You could substitute DeRozan's name for other established All-Stars, who aren't on the superstar level, and the logic applied to Toronto's five primary players would be the same. No-go on Anunoby, Siakam and Barnes, VanVleet being too important, and Trent Jr not having enough value. Rinse, repeat.
DeRozan remains the archetype they should be interested in, assuming of course they wish to remain competitive. If not, that changes the conversation entirely, and would allow them to explore deals for VanVleet, Siakam, and even Anunoby, as all three would fetch significant returns.
The Raptors remain one of the most intriguing teams to follow before the February 9th NBA Trade Deadline.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
By: Morten Stig Jensen, Contributor
Title: The Complexity Of Finding A Proper Toronto Raptors Deadline Trade
Sourced From: www.forbes.com/sites/mortenjensen/2023/01/26/the-complexity-of-finding-a-proper-toronto-raptors-deadline-trade/
Published Date: 01-27-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Toronto Raptors fare after Kawhi Leonard's departure?
It was a record year for the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors won 53 games in the 2020 season. All-Star point-guard Kyle Lowry played a major role in the team's success. Lowry averaged 19.7 ppg, 7.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds per contest. Pascal Siakam was Lowry's All-Star counterpart, scoring 22.9 points per game and grabbing 8.3 rebounds. Norman Powell, Fred VanVleet, and Norman Powell were key role players who made a strong contribution to the Raptors' roster. The team's talent and depth helped them overcome injuries to key players, such as Serge Ibaka & Marc Gasol.
The team was led by Coach of the Year Nick Nurse and All-NBA Second Teamer Pascal Siakam. . Siakam was a star, scoring nearly 20+ points per games. Coach Nurse made bold strategic moves that paid off. Kyle Lowry had been selected to the 2020 NBA All-Star team, his sixth consecutive selection.
The playoffs started earlier than usual this summer, in August at "Bubble" Bay Lake, Florida. In round one, the Raptors took on the Brooklyn Nets. They won 4-0. They went down 0-2 against the Boston Celtics in the next round, but OG Anunoby hit a buzzer-beater to win Toronto the third game. The series was eventually reduced to seven with Boston winning.
Vancouver had an NBA team.
Vancouver doesn't have a NBA franchise. From 1995 to 2001, the city was home to the Vancouver Grizzlies. However, the team moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 2001. Vancouver basketball fans support the Toronto Raptors, as they are the nearest NBA team to their area. There are also other professional basketball teams that play in and around Vancouver, including the BC Tigers of Canada's Elite Basketball League and Vancouver Volcanoes International Basketball League. A number of amateur and semiprofessional teams participate in various local leagues.
Vancouver has many recreational opportunities for basketball fans. Vancouver Grizzlies Alumni Association aims for former players to get together and promote basketball in British Columbia. They host clinics for young players and offer viewing parties for Raptors games.
The city's love for basketball has not diminished since the departure of the Grizzlies, and it remains a community that supports the sport in myriad ways. Vancouverites continue to share their passion for basketball through attending games, watching Raptors games, and supporting the many initiatives taken by former players as well as other organizations working to increase awareness about basketball in the area.
What does "We The North" mean?
The Toronto Raptors have used the phrase "We The North", also known by We The North Nation as an anthem. It was composed by Drake and Noah "40" Shebib.
Drake wrote the song at his Toronto apartment with a friend. He recorded Take Care with KanyeWest, another artist. Drake decided to make lyrics about his hometown while there. Drake wanted it be representative of all Canadians. The song talks about unity, pride, and hope.
Drake began writing the melody for We The North while he was in London filming the video of "Nice For What". The song's instrumental version was recorded in just one take.
Drake was writing the lyrics to the song, but 40 came up with the chorus. Drake was inspired by the hook and asked for permission to record it. Together, they came up with the final product.
The official music clip for "We The North Anthem", released on October 5, 2018, was made public. The video featured Shawn Mendes, a Canadian singer-songwriter, performing with Drake and other musicians.
What was the Raptors best year?
The 2019 championship season was Toronto Raptors’ best year. The Raptors' first NBA Championship was memorable. Kawhi Leonard was named Finals' MVP and the team had a regular season record of 58-24. They beat the Golden State Warriors in six games and took home the title.
The Toronto Raptors made a change in 2013 when they replaced Bryan Colangelo (then general manager) with Masai Ujiri. This move would signal a new era for the franchise that would see them become one of the best teams in the NBA.
The Raptors under Ujiri enjoyed a resurgence and reached the playoffs in 2014. This was their first playoff appearance since 2008. The Raptors have won five Division titles, and they had their most successful regular-season in 2018. Ujiri also made a risky, but profitable trade that year and sent DeMar DeRozan over to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard.
The Raptors had an amazing 2019, winning their first conference championship and reaching the NBA finals for a record-breaking second time. In total, they beat the Golden State Warriors six times.
Ujiri's tenure as a Raptors player has been a huge success and should be recognized for changing the Raptors' fortunes. He has led the Raptors to become one of NBA's best teams and looks poised for continued success.
The 2019 Raptors championship season will always be remembered as one among the best in their history.
Ujiri as well as the Toronto Raptors must continue to build a culture that supports their players, staff and players. This team has a bright future if it continues to be dedicated to excellence. The Toronto Raptors have set the bar high for 2019 with their championship season. Now, it is up to Ujiri's team to build on this success.
How did the Raptors win 2019's NBA title?
DeMar DeRozan was traded to Toronto Raptors by Jakob Poltl (protected 2019 first-round draft pick) and a Toronto Raptors player in return for Kawhi Leonard.
On February 7, 2019, the Raptors traded Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright C. J. Miles, along with a 2024 second-round selection draft pick to Memphis Grizzlies for Marc Gasol--another multi-All-Star and former defensive player of the year--and signed Jeremy Lin shortly afterwards.
Two big trades by the Toronto Raptors sent shockwaves through NBA. The Raptors first traded DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poltl, and a 2019 first-round draft pick (that was protected) to the San Antonio Spurs. In exchange, they got Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green (Spurs). They traded Jonas Valanciunas and Delon Wright C. J. Miles, along with a 2024 second-round selection to the Memphis Grizzlies, were traded to Marc Gasol--another All-Star and former Defender of the Year. These moves placed the Raptors into a formidable position to compete in the NBA title race this season. Let's look at each trade.
The trade for Kawhi Leonard was a risk-reward move for the Raptors. Leonard is an MVP-caliber player when healthy, and he's a top-5 player in league. However, Leonard only played nine games last season because of injury and it is unclear if he will continue to play. However, the Raptors decided the reward was well worth the risk and settled for the deal. So far, Leonard has been healthy and has been playing at an All-Star level. Leonard averages 26 points and 8 rebounds per game. He also shoots 49% from behind the arc and 38% at three-point range. If he can stay healthy, he gives the Raptors a real chance to win an NBA title this season.
Marc Gasol's trade for Gasol was more of an immediate move than anything else. Gasol is now in his 30s and clearly has reached his peak. He is still a great player and brings valuable experience to the young Raptors team. He averages 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists per contest while shooting 45% from 3-point range and 34% from the field. C.J., Delon Wright and other young talents were given up by the Raptors. Miles was used to acquire Gasol but the Raptors believe his experience will prove valuable in the playoffs.
The Raptors got off to a 6-0 start, winning their 16th game on November 23rd (breaking their franchise record for the best start through 20 games with a 16-4 record); reaching 20 wins quicker than any time in their history when they won 24th game of the season on December 1st against Cleveland Cavaliers; breaking the franchise record for most points scored in franchise history after beating Washington Wizards 140-138 points after double overtime on January 13th. The Raptors were cautious with Leonard, resting him for more than 20 games throughout the season to prevent worsening his previous injury. The Raptors still managed to capture the 2nd East seed, trailing only behind the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Raptors were able to continue their winning streak in the playoffs by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers (Orlando Magic), Milwaukee Bucks (Milwaukee Bucks) to reach the NBA Finals. Leonard was named Finals MVP after the Raptors claimed their first title, beating the Golden State Warriors 6 to 6.
The Toronto Raptors enjoyed a successful offseason. This has been a huge success. The Raptors have two All-Stars and are ready to compete for the title in years to come. They have demonstrated that they can make bold moves and take risks if it means putting together a championship-calibre team. It will interesting to see if their success continues in the future.
When was the Raptors first ever playoff win?
Toronto defeated New York 3-2 in their first playoff series. They advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals under Lenny Wilkens, for the first time in franchise history.
When were the Raptors able to beat the Chicago Bulls.
On March 24, 1996, the Raptors beat the Chicago Bulls, who would win the NBA Championship that year. The final score was 109-108. Michael Jordan attempted a last-second shot to try and win the game for the Bulls, but it did not count because it was after the final buzzer had sounded.
Statistics
- This improved during the 2006–07 regular season to an average of 18,258 fans (13th in the league), 92.2 percent capacity at the Air Canada Centre. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Thomas named Raptors' GM NBA superstar to have 10% stake in the new franchise". (en.wikipedia.org)
- By 2018, estimated the Raptors were worth $1.4 billion, 12th in the NBA. (en.wikipedia.org)
- This improved during the 2006–07 regular season to an average of 18,258 fans (13th in the league), 92.2 percent capacity at the Air Canada Centre. (en.wikipedia.org)
- After Thomas attempted to execute a letter of intent with Slaight to purchase the team failed, he resigned from his position in November and sold his 9 percent stake in the team to Slaight. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
thestar.com
bleacherreport.com
globalnews.ca
jerseymuseum.org
How To
How to Buy a Toronto Raptors Authentic Jersey
An authentic Toronto Raptors jersey is the best way to show your support for the team. The authentic jerseys are made from high quality materials and have the exact same design and cut as the ones worn by the players on the court. There are many options for authentic Raptors jerseys, from replicas to modified versions.
The first and easiest way is to visit the official Toronto Raptors online store. Here you'll find a wide selection of jerseys for men, women, and kids. You can even choose from home, away and alternate designs so that you're sure to get the look you want. A variety of accessories are available at the store to enhance your Raptors game-day look.
The Toronto Raptors teamshop at Scotiabank Arena has something for everyone. You'll find a greater selection of jerseys, as well as other merchandise for the team, including limited-edition items such autographed jerseys.
If you are looking for an authentic Raptors jersey, there are many online sellers that specialize in them. Be sure to do your research before buying from an unknown retailer. Be sure to keep an eye on special deals, discounts, promotions, and other offers that may save you money.
A Toronto Raptors jersey is more than just an item of clothing. For any sports fan, it's a source of pride. Many fans treasure their team's jerseys. It's more than just another piece. These jerseys have a special meaning to their wearers.
They represent excellence in basketball. These jerseys are cherished by fans because they have seen their stars grow up and play on the court.
Fans love watching the game live and seeing the players perform. They feel connected to the athletes through this.
Toronto Raptors jerseys can be a great way for players to show their support and enjoy the game's action.
Here are the steps to get an authentic Toronto Raptors jersey :
- Shop at Official Retailers or Stores - If your goal is to purchase a Toronto Raptors Jersey, then you need to visit an official store such as Nike, Adidas, Fanatic or Mitchell & Ness. These items can also be found at most sports shops.
- Look For Authenticity - Each item should have a certificate of authenticity. Make sure the jersey looks genuine and has the correct player name and numbers. You should check for any stickers or patches. Also, inspect the jersey to see if it has any damage.
- Buy online - If your team doesn't have an authorized store nearby, you may be eligible to buy your jersey online. You should ensure that shipping is free.
- Wait for your item - Once you have received your jersey, take good care. It should not be worn outside. It should only be worn to watch the game. It should never be washed.