As the Toronto Raptors gear up for their training camp, starting in two weeks in Montreal, they have invited 20 players, the maximum allowed.
This number is somewhat surprising considering the Raptors’ limited activity this offseason. The most significant change was Gary Trent Jr.’s departure, yet he signed a deal at the minimum value. However, the inclusion of three rookies on guaranteed contracts quickly alters the dynamics.
The team’s prospects remain unclear, particularly as the Raptors have just three established players standing 6-foot-8 or taller: Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, and Kelly Olynyk. (Chris Boucher’s role continues to resist classification.) This height restriction complicates the formation of a coherent rotation. Reflecting on how far the team has come since last year brings mixed feelings.
Let’s delve into some analysis. Here’s an initial take on the Raptors’ depth chart.
Projected Raptors Depth Chart for 2024-25
| PG | SG | SF | PF | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
(* – on a two-way contract; # – on an exhibit-10 contract; % – on a non-guaranteed contract)
Who Will Be the Fifth Starter?
Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Barnes, and Poeltl are guaranteed to be starters. In the NBA, teams must have five players on the court at all times, including to begin games.
Let’s evaluate this four-man group. Aside from Quickley, it offers solid height and combines the best interior defense that the Raptors can achieve with Barnes and Poeltl together. Moreover, this lineup boasts a surplus of playmaking ability with Barnes, Quickley, and Barrett, the latter having recorded a career-best assist percentage of 19.5 in 32 games with the Raptors.
Despite these strengths, the lineup falls short in terms of 3-point shooting and perimeter defense. For those prioritizing shooting, Gradey Dick would be the optimal choice, as he led the team with a 39.5 percent 3-point shooting percentage after the Pascal Siakam trade last year. Alternatively, if defense is the priority, Ochai Agbaji, who frequently guarded the opposition’s top scorer during the Raptors’ challenging and injury-laden March, would be the option. These players present a dilemma: while Dick has shown significant improvement
As a defender throughout the season, Agbaji still has a significant amount of progress to make; he managed only a 21.7 percent shooting rate from beyond the arc while playing for the Raptors.
Bruce Brown serves as a third option, contributing a blend of skills. While he may lack the physical size to challenge top perimeter players, his intelligence and tenacity compensate for that. Career-wise, Brown has a shooting percentage of 33.7 percent from deep, although he has had some commendable shooting seasons, despite low volume.
I’m leaning toward Dick due to his long-term significance to the team. The playmaking ability Brown possesses could benefit bench units, although a similar plan did not yield success last year. Agbaji is likely to begin the season as the eighth or ninth man.
What happens in the frontcourt, and will that impact the final main roster spot?
As noted, the Raptors are undersized. Over the past two years, they have selected two first-round picks, both of whom are wings more akin to shooting guards than small forwards: Dick and Ja’Kobe Walter. The trades involving Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Utah yielded a guard (Quickley), three wings (Brown, Barrett, and Agbaji), and one big (Olynyk). According to nba.com, players shot 65.5 percent within six feet when Olynyk was the defender, ranking him 90th among centers. Only Jaxson Hayes, Omer Yurtseven, and Mitchell Robinson had worse defensive statistics among regulars.
While Barnes’ defensive playmaking helps address this concern, prioritizing the pairing of Olynyk with Barnes cannot be feasible, as Darko Rajaković will face more pressing challenges. Consequently, this creates a significant role for Chris Boucher—though I have my reservations about that.
I suspect the Raptors will expect some players, particularly Agbaji and Barrett, to elevate their defensive efforts. They hope that increased ball pressure from Davion Mitchell and Jamal Shead will lead to fewer straightforward paths to the basket. However, this type of defensive pressure involves balancing risks and rewards, something we observed from Nick Nurse’s final two teams in Toronto. Branden Carlson, a 25-year-old rookie on a two-way contract, blocked 2.5 shots per 40 minutes during his collegiate career at Utah; however, pairing him with Olynyk would result in a frontcourt that lacks speed. Jonathan Mogbo, while active and athletic, measured just over 6-6 at the combine.
Bruno Fernando, an NBA journeyman with five years of experience, will join the camp as a non-guaranteed invitee. With 14 players already signed to guaranteed NBA contracts, he provides some insurance in terms of rim protection.
While it’s unlikely that he will break into the rotation, it wouldn’t be surprising if he takes the 15th spot for now, considering the Raptors are well below the luxury-tax threshold. They can reassess the situation as January approaches. Additionally, they might want to keep an eye out for any intriguing players who may be waived by other teams in October and utilize that spot differently.
It would be unexpected for any of the Raptors’ two-way players to be promoted to a main roster position in October. Unless there is a player they are particularly interested in who becomes available on a two-way contract, I anticipate that the Raptors will provide Carlson and DJ Carton opportunities with both the NBA team and Raptors 905, monitoring their performance closely. (Chomche is regarded as a long-term project and will not be elevated this season.) It’s also conceivable that the Raptors may choose to leave the 15th spot vacant if they decide against retaining Fernando.
Is there a place for Ja’Kobe Walter in the rotation?
About a year ago, I faced criticism from some readers for not including Dick in the rotation. I must admit I was more wrong than right. Dick participated in all of the first 14 games, yet played over 15 minutes in only five of them. Subsequently, he found himself out of the rotation before reclaiming his position following mid-season trades.
I anticipate a similar beginning for Walter, although he is now on a roster filled with players of similar size and skill compared to Dick’s situation last year. Walter will have to compete with Dick, Brown, and Agbaji, while Dick primarily faced off against Gary Trent Jr. and several larger forwards (who received more playtime as he struggled).
Clearly, the four guaranteed starters—Mitchell, Brown, Dick, and Olynyk—will take precedence over him. This leaves Walter vying for the ninth or tenth spot alongside Agbaji, Boucher, Mogbo, and Shead (listed in that specific order intentionally).
I believe he will receive a brief evaluation, with the Raptors quickly re-evaluating his standing.
(Top photo: Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Assessing the Toronto Raptors’ Training Camp Roster: Key Questions and Projections for the Upcoming Season
Overview of the Training Camp Roster
The Toronto Raptors are gearing up for another exciting season in the NBA, and as they enter their training camp, there are numerous factors to consider regarding their roster. This article delves into the key questions and projections surrounding the Raptors’ training camp roster, helping fans and analysts alike assess what to expect in the upcoming season.
Key Players to Watch
- Pascal Siakam: As the team’s star forward, Siakam’s performance will be pivotal.
- Fred VanVleet: Returning as the primary playmaker, his leadership will be crucial.
- Scottie Barnes: The young talent has shown significant growth and will be instrumental in the rotation.
- OG Anunoby: Known for his defensive prowess, Anunoby’s offensive development will be key.
Key Questions Facing the Raptors
1. What Role Will the New Additions Play?
This season, the Raptors have made some noteworthy additions to their roster during the offseason. The integration of these new players into the existing system will be critical. Key questions include:
- How quickly can they adapt to the Raptors’ style of play?
- What positions will they fill, and how will this impact the current roster?
2. How Will Coach Darko Rajaković Implement His System?
With Darko Rajaković taking over as head coach, fans are eager to see how his coaching style will influence the team dynamics. Some considerations include:
- What offensive and defensive schemes will he prioritize?
- How will he leverage player strengths to maximize team performance?
3. Can the Raptors Stay Healthy?
Injuries have plagued the Raptors in past seasons. Maintaining player health will be essential. Here are some questions that need answers:
- What is the current injury status of key players?
- What measures are in place to prevent injuries during training camp?
Projected Starting Lineup
Based on current training camp insights, here’s a projected starting lineup for the Toronto Raptors:
| Position | Player | Key Stats from Last Season |
|---|---|---|
| PG | Fred VanVleet | 20.3 PPG, 6.6 APG |
| SG | Gary Trent Jr. | 17.9 PPG, 2.6 RPG |
| SF | OG Anunoby | 16.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG |
| PF | Pascal Siakam | 24.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG |
| C | Jakob Poeltl | 13.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG |
Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Defensive Versatility: With players like Anunoby and Barnes, the Raptors have potential for a strong defensive lineup.
- Depth: A diverse roster allows for flexibility and resilience during the season.
- Coaching Change: A fresh perspective from Rajaković may reinvigorate the team’s performance.
Weaknesses
- Lack of Experienced Bench: Relying on younger players may lead to inconsistency.
- Injury Concerns: As mentioned, maintaining health is a recurring issue.
- Shooting Efficiency: The team must improve its perimeter shooting to remain competitive.
Case Studies: Previous Training Camps
Examining previous training camps gives insight into the Raptors’ development. For instance, during the 2019 training camp:
- The integration of Kawhi Leonard transformed the team’s dynamics.
- Rookie players showed rapid improvement, which allowed the Raptors to excel throughout the season.
Practical Tips for Fans
If you’re a Raptors fan looking to follow the training camp closely, here are some tips:
- Stay Updated: Follow the Raptors on social media and their official website for real-time updates.
- Engage in Discussions: Join online forums or social media groups to share insights with fellow fans.
- Watch Preseason Games: Use preseason games as a chance to see how new players fit into the system.
First-Hand Experience: The Atmosphere at Training Camp
Attending the Raptors’ training camp can be an electrifying experience. Fans often report:
- A close-up view of player interactions, providing insights into team chemistry.
- The energy in the gym as players push each other during drills.
- Accessibility to players for autographs and photos, enhancing fan engagement.
Looking Ahead: Season Projections
As the Raptors prepare for the upcoming season, projecting their success depends on several factors:
- Playoff Aspirations: With the current roster, the Raptors aim for a playoff berth.
- Individual Player Development: Monitoring the growth of young stars like Barnes will be crucial.
- Team Cohesion: Building chemistry will be essential for on-court success.
Final Thoughts on Raptors’ Training Camp
As the Toronto Raptors enter training camp, the excitement is palpable. With a mix of established talent and promising new additions, fans are eager for what lies ahead. How the team addresses key questions and navigates the challenges will ultimately define their season.
