RSS Raptors Team Notes

[Toronto Raptors]

2 Canadians set to shine in WNBA Playoffs

It’s the final week of the WNBA regular season, and all but one playoff spot has been secured. The Seattle Storm and Los Angeles Sparks are in a race for the eighth and final spot, while specific playoff placement, seeding, and matchups will also be determined this week. Despite a few unknowns for this season, one thing is already clear — a set of Canadians will be significant factors in their respective teams’ playoff success.

This season, there are four Canadians on WNBA rosters: Kia Nurse in Chicago, Aaliyah Edwards in Connecticut, Laeticia Amihere in Golden State and Bridget Carleton in Minnesota. Edwards was a little closer to a playoff spot at the start of the season with the Washington Mystics, who hung around for the first half of the season before selling at the trade deadline and falling out of the playoff picture. Edwards was a part of the selling process, being dealt to the Connecticut Sun in a trade. The Sun were never expected to be in the playoff race this season, but show promise of exciting days ahead.

Kia Nurse is on a Chicago Sky team that may have had playoff hopes in May, but was mathematically eliminated weeks ago. After their PG-1, Courtney Vandersloot, tore her ACL and exited the lineup, it’s been a little rough in Chicago. There is a lack of cohesiveness on the roster that is showing on the court, but also in the drama going on off the court.

That leaves Carleton’s Minnesota Lynx and Amihere’s Golden State Valkyries.

Golden State sets the bar for expansion teams​

After being waived by the Atlanta Dream team that drafted her No. 8 overall, Laeticia Amihere signed a training camp contract with the brand-new Golden State Valkyries. Despite a great showing at camp, Amihere was waived before the WNBA season, but the team circled back and re-signed her about a month later due to some roster shakeups.

Amihere has now played a career-high 28 games in a singles WNBA season, coming off the bench for Golden State to average 5.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. Despite it being their first season in the league, Golden State shocked the women’s basketball community by playing a fierce brand of basketball and achieving what seemed impossible: making the playoffs in year one. They didn’t just scrape in either; they were the sixth team in the league to clinch their berth in the postseason, a spot they seem to be holding onto.

When it comes to their playoff hopes, Golden State is a team that could end up delivering an upset to a higher-seeded team. Everything they do is so enjoyable because there have been no expectations for this team in year one, but they aren’t going to go down without a fight. Unfortunately, their one allotted home game of the first round will not be played at their usual home arena in Chase Center due to scheduling conflicts. Yet, fans should have no problem travelling to support this team.

Amihere will provide solid backup bench minutes for Natalie Nakase’s Valkyries. As a lengthy forward with the ability to draw fouls, she could play an essential role in close games. The Valkyries have had an underdog mentality this whole season, and their winning some playoff games could be super exciting.

Destiny is the name of Minnesota’s game​

After making it all the way to the WNBA Finals in 2024, the Minnesota Lynx lost the 5-game series in a tightly contested game against the New York Liberty. The Lynx came back this year more confident and immediately surged to the top of the WNBA standings, where they have stayed ever since. They were the first team to clinch a playoff spot, eventually locking in the No. 1 spot for the season. They will face either Seattle or Los Angeles in round one. After tying the season series 2-2 with Seattle, the Lynx probably want the Sparks in that first-round series.

They’ve been championship favourites all year, and it’s finally time to prove why. It won’t be easy, though. Despite giving themselves a nice cushion to finish the season on top of the standings, the Lynx will have tough competition throughout the playoffs. The New York Liberty have been struggling, but they are pretty intact from last season and will be fighting to redeem their reputation as well as win back-to-back championships. The Las Vegas Aces have been on a tear to end the season, having won their last 14 games in a row, and are also out looking for revenge after dropping last season’s WNBA semifinals. Phoenix and Atlanta are also in the championship conversation and have levelled up significantly this season.

As for Bridget Carleton, the Canadian has successfully transformed herself from fringe bench player to important starting role player over the past few seasons. Her tough defence makes Coach Cheryl Reeve trust her, and she’s improved her shot enough to be a big factor in the Lynx’s offence. Minnesota will look to her to make big shots in big moments like she did in 2024, but will also be a big part in locking down perimeter players like Sabrina Ionescu, Allisha Gray, and Jackie Young. Carleton is a big part of the Lynx’s hopes to return to the WNBA Finals, but finish the story by ending the season with a championship.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/wnba-news...olden-state-valkyries-carleton-amihere-canada

 

[Toronto Raptors]

The Truth about Kawhi Leonard’s Exit from Toronto

It’s been quite a week in the NBA news cycle. It was revealed last week that Kawhi Leonard was circumventing the NBA salary cap with the LA Clippers by having a “sponsorship deal” with a tree-planting company that was traced back to the team. It wasn’t a real sponsorship deal, and Leonard was receiving a higher salary from the team without it affecting their cap. Well, turns out his camp was trying to do the same thing when negotiating a deal for him to return to Toronto back in 2019.

If you are a Toronto Raptors fan, you know the saga of “Will He Stay?” It was a lot of city-wide initiatives, plane tracking, and speculation from Toronto residents about whether or not Kawhi would stay another season in Toronto, running back most of the Championship squad in an attempt to win back-to-back. If he had stayed, there was a good chance they would have returned to the Finals. Of course, the pandemic would have happened, and the rest of the season would have been played in the bubble, so who knows. It’s all what ifs, given Leonard ended up signing with his hometown Clippers and returning to California. At the time, fans were disappointed but understood the reasoning: he wanted to go home.

Apparently, it had a lot to do with money, as well.

You see, as more comes to light about what I am calling “Tree-Plant-Gate” (maybe that will stick), it seems Leonard and Uncle Dennis were planting the seeds back in 2019. (lol planting the seeds)

Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star has reported that Leonard’s camp had been asking for multiple “extras” to persuade him to stay in Toronto. First, it was an ownership stake in the Toronto Maple Leafs, which is impossible because they are owned by MLSE (which also owns the Toronto Raptors). Uncle Dennis didn’t do his homework on that one. According to Arthur, another part of the deal was a trade for Paul George, something that obviously ended up happening in LA.

Another extra Leonard’s camp wanted, according to Arthur’s reporting, was no-show sponsorship deals and ownership stakes in outside companies. Basically, free money. When Toronto retorted that there would be extensive sponsorship opportunities for Leonard should he stay in Toronto, Uncle Dennis apparently replied that he “didn’t want to do anything for them.” So, no ad-shoots, no in-person appearances, the usual things that come with sponsorship deals. He just wanted the money without having to do any of that. Arthur reports he wanted an extra $10 million from that kind of stuff. MLSE said no. Leonard left. He seems to have gotten that in LA.

This Kawhi story keeps getting wilder.

His camp also wanted a $10 million a year no-show sponsorship deal to stay with the Raptors.

Great reporting from @bruce_arthur: https://t.co/H0FHqE4Z7k https://t.co/aKVH0vR2fG pic.twitter.com/SGwGE5sN8r

— Libaan Osman (@libaanstar1) September 9, 2025

Other than it being kind of arrogant, is there a real problem with asking for things like no-show sponsorship deals? Well, it falls under the term “circumventing the salary cap,” so the short answer is, yeah. The salary cap exists to try to make the NBA fair for all teams, but players and their teams sometimes get frustrated that there is a limit to how much money they can make. So, they try to find other ways to accumulate income, and it gets sneaky when they don’t want to do anything for it.

Sponsorships are part of sports, but it’s a transactional thing: the companies are making money on a player’s name, image, and likeness. Companies want to pay athletes to be on the front of their cereal box because that means fans will buy their cereal. That involves going to a photoshoot, making a commercial, you know, doing a bit of work.

These under-the-table deals aren’t sponsorships; they are sneaky ways to add on salary for a player that won’t impact a team’s cap.

A similar thing came to light with the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces a few years ago. The Aces are owned by the same guy who owns the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, so he has cash to give out. Yet, the WNBA has a very strict hard salary cap, and it’s not very high. It was revealed that players were being paid under the table for similar no-show sponsorship deals. It’s tricky because obviously, the WNBA salary is not as high as it should be, and the players deserve more. Yet, it was clearly against the rules, and the WNBA investigated — nothing regarding a verdict or punishment has been announced yet.

It’s hard to prove these things, of course. These guys know what they are doing, and all it will take is for Kawhi Leonard to go take a picture next to a newly planted tree for them to make it seem like he’s actually participating in a sponsorship deal. Will he get punished? Maybe.

Knowing this now, it adds a lot of context to why Leonard didn’t return to Toronto. He won his chip, and now he wanted added benefits. It wasn’t about the location or the team or the championship hopes; it was about money. People will have varying opinions about whether they think Toronto should have just paid him the money and gotten him back, but I think it shows a little bit of integrity from the team.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/nba-news-...ry-cap-circumvent-la-clippers-toronto-raptors

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Way-too-early trade targets for the Raptors

How about those Toronto Blue Jays?

If you’re the type to romanticise the thought of sports success being contagious, boy oh boy, have you reached the perfect post/writer. (Also, where have you been all my life?)

With NBA offseason wrapping up and training camp drawing oh-so-near, the buzz around Toronto typically starts growing for the Raptors. However, this year, all the buzz is centred around the neighbours down the road at Rogers Centre.

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The ‘Boys of Summer’ find themselves atop the American League (period) standings with just over two weeks left in the regular season. Not even the most ardent Jays’ fans would have predicted such success. (I promise this is a Raptors post, so please bear with me as I channel my inner Blake Murphy) The Blue Jays’ unexpected rise from Wild Card hopeful to World Series contender can be attributed to 4 factors:

• All-Stars performing as expected
• Young players realizing their potential
• Veterans staying healthy while making solid contributions
• Closest rivals falling short of expectations

If you squint just enough, you can see how those factors can also translate to the Raptors. Imagine the calendar has just flipped to 2026, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and Immanuel Quickley are all garnering All-Star buzz. Gradey Dick and Collin Murray-Boyles look like the next iteration of Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl have yet to miss a game and are clicking on all cylinders.

Yes, the first 3 of 4 factors are likely not going to happen….but that’s also what we thought of the Blue Jays in April. The 4th factor has already started taking shape. Boston (Jayson Tatum) and Indiana (Tyrese Haliburton) have each lost their best players to Achilles injuries. Milwaukee’s 3rd-best player is either Kyle Kuzma or Gary Trent Jr. New York is one Pablo Torre Finds Out episode away from being caught for circumventing the salary cap for Jalen Brunson. How much faith do you have that Detroit, Orlando, or Atlanta will make the gigantic leap from First-Round fodder to Eastern Conference title contenders? Cleveland may be the only sure bet in the East, which is ideal news for any team with rags-to-riches dreams, like the Raptors.

Alright, I’ve buried the lede long enough. If every one of those factors works in Toronto’s favour, that introduces a handful of new realities:

• One of the young stars — Dick or Ja’Kobe Walter, for example — will have shown enough growth to not only replace Barrett in the starting lineup, but make him a prized trade chip at the deadline (even more than he is now, since he would have theoretically also increased his value).
• With all of the young players improving, that would also make Ochai Agbaji, his theoretically improved play, and expiring contract another valuable trade chip.
• Barrett and Agbaji’s $34 million in salary this season, plus the Raptors owning all their first and second picks (except the 2031 2nd), gives Bobby Webster a solid starting point in trade negotiations.

This us rn @BlueJays https://t.co/bJQhbQNzE3 pic.twitter.com/LOdTTEbKYJ

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) September 12, 2025

As the trade deadline approaches, the suddenly contending Raptors can aim for improvements at the margins, whether it be depth at the Guard and Wing positions, or solidifying the backup Center position.

Honourable mentions: Trey Murphy, Walker Kessler, Daniel Gafford, Nic Claxton, Rob Dillingham, Coby White

• Dalton Knecht: You’d think acquiring Knecht for (see what I did there?) Barrett would signal Toronto’s continued movement towards getting younger. Did you know Dalton is less than a year younger than RJ? It’s astonishing how often I forget that Barrett’s still only 25 years old. Knecht is a prime target because he’s only got 1 season under his belt and should continue improving, while it’s likely we’ve already seen Barrett’s ceiling.
• Onyeka Okongwu: With Clint Capela finally out of Atlanta, you’d think the opportunity to start had finally arrived for Onyeka. Instead, the Hawks drafted Asa Newell and traded for Kristaps Porzingis. Toronto may not be able to offer starter minutes right away, but at least there will be a path as he’ll be groomed to replace Poeltl.
• Keon Ellis: I get the allure of Trey Murphy, especially on a New Orleans team that is oddly constructed and seemingly on the cusp of major changes….but why pay top dollar when you get a more efficient version of him at 10% of the cost? Ellis is currently on a minimum contract that expires after this season. He broke out last season with his defensive prowess, but also impressed with his efficient 3-point shooting.
• Austin Reaves/Rui Hachimura: While the previous 3 names had an eye towards Toronto’s future, the final names focus more on this season. With Tatum and Haliburton coming back healthy and hungry in 2026, the Raptors should look to capitalize on this tiny window, especially if they perform to the standards laid out above. Going back to the Lakers well and nabbing Reaves and/or Hachimura would further solidify the Raptors’ playoff rotation.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo: I’ll admit that sniping Myles Turner from the Pacers may have saved the Bucks (again) from losing Giannis. However, at some point early in the season — maybe before December — Giannis will see what the rest of the basketball world already knows…..he needs to leave Milwaukee. If and when that shoe drops, Bobby Webster will be armed and ready to finish the recruiting job that Masai Ujiri started.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Toronto Raptors reportedly have mutual interest, per @TorontoStar

(https://t.co/29Mf4OpoBI) pic.twitter.com/LmkLNxfCTi

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 2, 2025

Are there targets you’d like to see Toronto pursue? If the Raptors were hypothetically as good as I’ve outlined above, would trades even be necessary? As Webster tries to fill the enormous shoes left behind by Ujiri, he’ll have a golden opportunity to make his mark if the right trading partner chooses to dance.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/raptors-trade-rumors/47848/way-too-early-trade-targets-for-the-raptors

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Toronto Tempo Mock Expansion Draft

If you’ve been a Raptors HQ reader for a while, you’ll know that I started my tenure here by fantasizing about who in the WNBA I would love to see on a Toronto WNBA roster. Four years later (time flies!), we are actually about to go through the process of an expansion draft for the WNBA’s first Canadian team, the Toronto Tempo.

I thought it would be fun to do a mock expansion draft for the Tempo and introduce Toronto fans to a few players who may be available for the team to draft. Now, this comes with a caveat: there hasn’t been much released on the rules of the upcoming expansion draft. To make things easier, I will use the rules from last year’s WNBA expansion draft, when the Golden State Valkyries began building their first-ever team. Things will be different this year simply because two teams will be in the draft instead of one, with both Toronto and Portland selecting their first players. Let’s get into it.

The Rules​

When the Valkyries had their expansion draft in 2024, the other 12 teams in the WNBA were allowed to protect six players from being taken. Teams could protect players they had the rights to, and could only select one player in the entire league that was set to become an Unrestricted Free Agent. That player would be given the Core Designation.

We don’t know if the rules are going to be the same in 2025. There is a lot that is different about this year’s draft, with two teams in the mix, so many players in the league going into free agency, and a new Collective Bargaining Agreement not yet signed. Who knows if the core designation will even exist in the new CBA? Yet, for this exercise, I am going to go with the same rules as 2024, because I can. So, here are the rules of this draft:

• Only one UFA can be selected by each team, and that player can not have been cored more than once in their WNBA career.
• The existing 13 WNBA franchises can protect six players from being selected.
• Teams can protect any player they have the rights to.
• The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire will take on the existing contract of any player they select.
• Other than the two Core players, UFAs are not eligible for the expansion draft

Protected Players​

Let’s go through who I think each team will protect from being selected in the expansion draft. Shoutout to Her Hoop Stats for their incredible team cap sheets for the assist on these.

Indiana Fever​

Protected Players: Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Chloe Bibby, Lexie Hull, Mikayla Timpson

The Indiana Fever, based on the info I’m seeing on their team cap sheet, only have 5 players they can protect. The decision becomes very easy, given that Boston and Clark are still on their rookie contracts, and they are instant protections. Timpson is also on a rookie contract. The Fever have Bibby on a reserved free agency deal, meaning they retain her negotiation rights in free agency, and if they have the space, why not protect her and figure it out once they make more free agency signings? Hull is their sole Restricted Free Agent, meaning they own her negotiation rights and will likely protect her as well.

Atlanta Dream​

Protected Players: Te-Hina Paopao, Taylor Thierry, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, Sika Kone, Nyadiew Puoch

The Atlanta Dream will likely protect their 2025 rookies in Paopao and Thierry. Howard and Hillmon are Restricted Free Agents, so they can protect them to retain their negotiation rights. Sika Kone is reserved for next season. The Dream drafted Nyadiew Puoch 12th overall in 2024, and she has yet to come over from Australia to play in the WNBA, but the Dream have her rights. She seems like a great young player, is only 21 years old currently, and could very well come over to the WNBA in the future.

Chicago Sky​

Protected Players: Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, Hailey Van Lith, Maddy Westbeld, Sevgi Uzun, Ajša Sivka

The Chicago Sky are in the middle of a rebuild, so they have a few more young contracted assets to protect. Cardoso and Reese still have 2 more seasons on their rookie contracts, so they are an instant protect. Even with all of the rumours surrounding Reese’s future with the Sky, they won’t let her go for nothing in return. If she leaves Chicago, it would be through trade and not the expansion draft. Van Lith and Westbeld are their 2025 rookies, and they have Uzun reserved for 2026. Ajša Sivka was drafted 10th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft and was the Sky’s highest-drafted player. While she did not come over to play in the WNBA this season, she likely will in the future, making it important for them to protect her rights.

Connecticut Sun​

Protected Players: Aneesah Morrow, Aaliyah Edwards, Saniya Rivers, Leila Lacan, Rayah Marshall, Olivia Nelson-Ododa

This year’s Sun rookies, Morrow, Rivers, Lacan and Marshall are all locks for protection. Sorry, Toronto fans, Canadian Aaliyah Edwards will very likely not be left unprotected for expansion. She has 2 years left on her rookie deal, and after the Sun traded away Jacy Sheldon to get her onto their roster this season, they aren’t just going to let her go. Nelson-Ododa is a restricted free agent next season, so if the Sun can keep her, they will.

Dallas Wings​

Protected Players: Paige Bueckers, Diamond Miller, Maddy Siegrist, Azaiha James, JJ Quinerly, Luisa Geiselsöder

The Wings are obviously not leaving their No. 1 draft pick in Bueckers available to be scooped up. Yet, the Wings are one of the only teams with real choices to make when it comes to protection. Their non-rookies on rookie deals, Miller and Siegrist, are the obvious first choices after Bueckers. Luisa Geiselsöder had a great season for the Wings, and I could see them wanting her back, as she is currently reserved for next season. Then you have their other 2025 rookies in James and Quinerly, who they drafted, and I could see them wanting to keep. Yet, they also have Li Yueru, Haley Jones, and Grace Berger reserved for next season as well…

Golden State Valkyries​

Protected Players: Carla Leite, Kate Martin, Veronica Burton, Justė Jocytė, Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaün

The Valkyries are on the other side of the draft this year. Martin and Leite are on rookie contracts, easy protection choices. Burton, who is their bona fide leader and could win Most Improved in the WNBA this season, is a restricted free agent next season, as is Zandalasini. The team used their first-ever draft pick, the 5th overall in the 2025 draft, to pick Justė Jocytė, who is another protection lock despite not coming over this season. Salaün is a reserved player and has been great for the Valkyries this season.

Las Vegas Aces​

Protected Players: Aaliyah Nye, NaLyssa Smith

The Aces don’t have the rights to enough players to protect the full six they are allowed. Their 2025 rookie in Nye is the obvious choice, and Smith is a restricted free agent. Two solid choices for Vegas, who will be very active in free agency.

Los Angeles Sparks​

Protected Players: Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson, Sarah Ashlee Barker, Sania Feagin, Rae Burrell, Julie Allemand

The Sparks have four players on rookie deals in 2026: Brink, Jackson, Barker and Feagin, all easy choices to protect. Rae Burrell is reserved for LA, while Allemand is an RFA, so they could protect both of them as well. Easy decisions for LA.

Minnesota Lynx​

Protected Players: Dorka Juhasz, Anastasiia Olairi Kosu, Maria Kliundikova, Jaylyn Sherrod, Aubrey Griffin, Maia Hirsch

As always, Minnesota has put itself in a great position for the future. Juhasz took the season off from the WNBA, but she is still on contract for next season. Kosu is on a rookie deal after being drafted this year. The Lynx have Kliundikova and Sherrod reserved for next season, and then they have the rookie rights to Griffin and Hirsch. They drafted Griffin in 2025 and Hirsch in 2023.

New York Liberty​

Protected Players: Nyara Sabally, Leonie Fiebich, Marine Johannes, Betnijah Laney Hamilton, Rebekah Gardner, Adja Kane

The New York Liberty have two players on rookie-scale contracts in 2026, Sabally and Fiebich, who are big parts of their team. Johannes is reserved for next season, and after Laney Hamilton’s contract was suspended this season due to injury, the Liberty hold her sole negotiating rights in 2026. Gardner is another reserved player, and Adja Kane is a player that has been drafted and the Liberty have the rights to.

Phoenix Mercury​

Protected Players: Kalani Brown, Lexi Held, Monique Akoa Makani, Kathryn Westbeld, Natasha Mack, Kitija Laksa

Brown is the only player the Mercury have on a full contract next season, and they have reserved Held, Akoa Makani, Westbeld, Laksa and Mack. Pretty easy decisions to protect and then see what your roster looks like after other players like Alyssa Thomas or Kahleah Copper are signed (or not).

Seattle Storm​

Protected Players: Dominique Malonga, Lexie Brown, Jordan Horston, Nika Muhl, Mackenzie Holmes, Zia Cooke

Their No. 2 overall draft pick in Malonga is safe from expansion, obviously. Brown is on contract next season, and they have the space to protect her, so it seems they may. Horston and Muhl are two younger Storm team members who have been out with injury this year, but Seattle suspended them and kept them on contract for next season. They have a lot of potential, and the Storm will likely want to protect both. Holmes has been in and out of the Storm’s lineup this season, as has Zia Cooke, and both are reserved for next season. It could be another case of protect now, figure out later.

Washington Mystics​

Protected Players: Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron, Georgia Amoore, Jacy Sheldon, Lucy Olsen

The Mystics are one of the only teams that have to make real choices about who to keep protected and who to leave unprotected here. Their 2025 rookies in Iriafen, Citron and Amoore are obviously locks, and Olsen has impressed in her rookie season as well. Austin is a restricted free agent, and the team traded Aaliyah Edwards for Sheldon, meaning they probably want to protect her as well.

Core Designation Players​

These are UFAs who have not been cored more than once in their careers. These teams will choose these players with the intention to core and sign them in free agency. They need to be realistic about who they can get to come to a first-year expansion team. This is someone who you’d hope to be a big part of the team’s identity and core, someone who could grow into a leader for the team.

Toronto Tempo: Bridget Carleton​

This is a little bit of a big swing on my part, but not completely out of the realm of possibility. Carleton is not only Canadian (Chatham, ON), but is just hitting the peak of her career. She is currently the No. 1 option for the Canadian National Team when she joins them for competition. Bringing her on as the Tempo’s first “franchise leading veteran” gives the team an instant fan-favourite, but also adds a lot to their roster. She has been a starter on the league-leading Minnesota Lynx for the past two seasons, playing most of her career in Minnesota. She is a tough defender and can shoot the three well.

Now, I can see the Tempo having conversations here before making this choice. If Carleton and the Lynx want to continue their relationship, and Carleton isn’t yet ready to move on, they may respect her wishes. Yet, she could make history with the first Canadian team in the league. It feels like a great choice for the Tempo.

Portland Fire: Dana Evans​

Dana Evans is a great candidate for the Fire’s core designation, as a fantastic guard who has been in that “sixth player” role in Las Vegas. She impressed in her rookie season with the 2021 Championship Chicago Sky, and has been solid in the minutes she has gotten on the Aces. She’s ready to move into a bigger role, and Portland would be the perfect opportunity for her to lead a team.

Expansion Draft​

We are gonna go team by team in alphabetical order, flipping back and forth between who gets the first pick between Toronto and Portland.

Atlanta Dream​

Toronto selects: Isobel Borlase (Australia, player rights)

Portland selects: Maya Caldwell (reserved)

Chicago Sky​

Portland selects: Aicha Coulibaly (Mali, player rights)

Toronto selects: No selection

Connecticut Sun​

Toronto selects: Haley Peters (RFA)

Portland selects: Mamignan Toure (reserved)

Dallas Wings​

Portland selects: Li Yueru (reserved)

Toronto selects: Haley Jones (reserved)

Golden State Valkyries​

Toronto selects: Laeticia Amihere (reserved)

Portland selects: Iliana Rupert (reserved)

Indiana Fever​

Portland selects: No selection

Toronto selects: No selection

Las Vegas Aces​

Toronto selects: No selection

Portland selects: No selection

Los Angeles Sparks​

Portland selects: Julie Vanloo (reserved)

Toronto selects: Alissa Pili (reserved)

Minnesota Lynx​

Toronto selects: No selection

Portland selects: No selection

New York Liberty​

Portland selects: Marine Fauthoux (France, player rights)

Toronto selects: No selection

Phoenix Mercury​

Toronto selects: No selection

Portland selects: No selection

Seattle Storm​

Portland selects: No selection

Toronto selects: No selection

Washington Mystics​

Toronto selects: Emily Engstler (reserved)

Portland selects: Nastja Claessens (Belgium, player rights)

Rosters after Expansion Draft​

Toronto Tempo​

Bridget Carleton (Core), Isobel Borlase, Haley Peters, Haley Jones, Laeticia Amihere, Alissa Pili, Emily Engstler

Portland Fire​

Dana Evans (Core), Maya Caldwell, Aicha Coulibaly, Mamignan Toure, Li Yueru, Iliana Rupert, Julie Vanloo, Marine Fauthoux, Nastja Claessens

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/wnba-content/47858/toronto-tempo-portland-fire-mock-expansion-draft

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Navigating the Raptors’ first 30 days of the season

TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 31: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors takes part in player introductions ahead of playing the Chicago Bulls in their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 31, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

The NBA season is an 82-game labyrinth designed to be explored as a marathon. It rewards teams that effectively navigate its unpredictable twists and turns, but at a jogger’s pace.

For the Toronto Raptors, how they traverse through the opening leg of the race will matter. A season isn’t decided in the first 30 days, but how teams fare during this window can foreshadow what the playoff picture looks like in April.

After the first 30 days last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks were the top three seeds in the Eastern Conference – all three teams remained there by season’s end. The Orlando Magic and Miami Heat fell to the play-in after promising starts, but both ultimately advanced to the first round of the post-season. The Detroit Pistons also started strong and made the playoffs.

The three teams that defied this narrative were the Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, and Milwaukee Bucks. The Hawks dropped out of the playoff race. The Pacers overcame early injuries to key rotational players and the Bucks figured out how to use Damian Lillard next to Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Here’s a closer look at what lies ahead for the Toronto Raptors.

An unfamiliar start​

the scariest schedule release you'll see today @nba_paint pic.twitter.com/1YaMXYZOEx

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) August 14, 2025

The Raptors’ 13-game streak of starting the regular season at home comes to an end when they visit the Hawks on Oct. 22.

This is the first time the Raptors have opened the season on the road since 2011, during which they defeated the Cavaliers 104-96 on Dec. 8 in a lockout-shortened season.

The last time the Raptors started a non-lockout season with a road game was during 2008 in a 95-84 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

They’ll return to Toronto two days later to play Antetokounmpo and the Bucks on Oct. 24. Both matchups should provide the Raptors with an early but sufficient Eastern Conference litmus test.

Since Scottie Barnes entered the league in 2021, the Raptors are 1-3 in their first road game of the season. They’ve fared slightly better at home with a 2-2 record.

A no-rest test​

Here is the #Raptors schedule this season.

– 15 back-to-backs
– Longest road trip is five games (three times), two of those include five games in eight days: (LAL, GSW, SAC, POR, OKC) and (CHI, DEN, PHX, UTH, LAC)#WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/AATPwa4Cu8

— Kristian Cuaresma (@kriscuaresma_) August 14, 2025

Toronto faces an interesting pair of back-to-backs in the first 30 days of the season, with the first being an early Western Conference mini-road trip to Dallas and San Antonio from Oct. 26-27. With the Houston Rockets visiting the Scotiabank Arena on Oct. 29, this scheduling quirk pits the Raptors against all three Texas-based teams in four days.

The Raptors also visit the Hawks and the 76ers on Nov. 7-8.

It was a struggle playing without rest last season, with the Raptors finishing 3-12 on the second day of back-to-backs. Playing on the road further complicated things, with Toronto going 1-8.

Life on the road​

The Raptors starting the season on the road is a precursor to what awaits them in the following weeks, with 10 of their first 15 games happening away from Scotiabank Arena. This also includes six of seven on the road to close out the 30-day window.

The longest road trip is a five-game stretch that includes the Hawks, 76ers, Cavaliers, Pacers and the Brooklyn Nets.

For Scottie Barnes’ playoff proclamation to stand any chance, the Raptors must improve their play on the road. Toronto finished 12-29 in away games last season.

Getting acquainted with the East​

Without a single minute played, the Eastern Conference has already been tediously labelled as ‘wide-open’. The NBA’s scheduler makers have made it possible for the Raptors to make an early claim to the space.

The Raptors will play two games each against the Cavaliers, Hawks, Bucks, and the 76ers. This group has representatives from each tier of playoff hopefuls in the East, ranging from top-seed contenders to play-in candidates.

Inciting hope or casting doubt on the Raptors’ chances in the conference based on a handful of games may seem imprudent, but the wide range of Eastern rivals on the menu should offer valuable insight. If anything, Raptors fans will get a better idea of how this team and the coaching staff adjust to the same opponent.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/raptors-analysis/47851/navigating-the-raptors-first-30-days-of-the-season

 

[Toronto Raptors]

This player might be the Raptors’ biggest wildcard

There are a few unknowns that will go a long way toward deciding what the 2025-26 Toronto Raptors look like, like whether Scottie Barnes takes another leap, or if Brandon Ingram meshes with the existing core.

But there’s someone else who, despite entering his third season with the team, just might be the Raptors’ biggest wildcard: Immanuel Quickley.

When the Raptors acquired Quickley in the trade that sent OG Anunoby to the Knicks, he instantly became the team’s best shooter and a breath of fresh air on a team with a heavily polluted offense.

But the buzz around Quickley’s offensive pop — and, in particular, the tantalizing prospect of the IQ and Barnes two-man game — stalled out last year, as injuries limited the six-foot-two guard to just 33 games played. RJ Barrett, who has at times exceeded people’s expectations, has retroactively become the headliner of the Raptors’ return in that deal, in which Quickley was thought to be the real prize.

Here’s the thing: Quickley could very well be that prize. He is still just 26 years old. NBA writer and podcaster Zach Lower called Quickley the “lynchpin” of the Raptors’ next two or three years. If he can grow into the player that Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster had in mind when signing him to a five-year $162 million deal, the Raptors could unlock a higher ceiling.

Quickley remains the team’s best three-point shooter, having shot 40% on catch-and-shoot threes and 38% on pull-up threes over the last couple seasons. The spacing he provides, and his ability to operate as an off-ball guard, make him an especially nice compliment to Scottie Barnes.

As far as team-building goes, the Raptors’ front office is, and should be looking to assemble a group of players who fit nicely with Barnes, and help maximize the All-Star forward’s potential. The Quickley trade was viewed as the acquisition of a foundational piece whose floor spacing and solid defense would do just that.

But injuries have hampered Barnes and especially Quickley’s availability, meaning the duo hasn’t had a ton of time to gel. They’ve played just 54 games together across two seasons.

Lineups with both Barnes and Quickley put up a net rating of -0.7 per 100 possessions last year — it was not a pretty number, but it was also the team’s second-best net rating of any duo who played more than 600 minutes together. (Barnes and Poeltl were the only such duo with a positive net rating, at +1.1.)

Quickley has a skillset that helps open up space for Barnes, whether it’s setting screens or simply leveraging his gravity as a shooting threat. He also takes some possessions as the lead ball-handler off Barnes’ plate: While not quite a proficient enough passer to be a ball-dominant guard, Quickley has the on-ball chops to lead an offense for stretches. The Raptors scored 0.95 points per possession when Quickley was the ball-handler in a pick-and-roll, good for the top mark on the team.

But will it all come together? Will Quickley and Barnes fulfill their potential as a dynamic duo? At this point, their duo is more a point of curiosity than a polished product. They could flourish together. They could also plateau. Perhaps the lack of spacing around them will harm their effectiveness in the pick-and-roll game, allowing defenders to sag off non-shooters and provide extra help against the two-man game. Or, barring injuries, they might find a groove in their first full season together.

One path to greater success for Quickley will be increased shooting volume — and more Quickley threes may be a necessity for the team’s success. The Raptors finished 29th in made three pointers last year, and are not exactly dealing with an abundance of shooters beyond Quickley. (Gradey Dick and Jamison Battle are legitimately good shooters, but Battle may not even crack the regular rotation.) Head coach Darko Rajakovic said back in January 2024 that he wanted to see Quickley taking “eight, nine, ten [threes] a game.” Quickley hit threes at a nice 38% clip last year, but his 6.8 attempts left some meat on the bone.

“He’s one of the best shooters in the league, above the break,” Rajakovic had said, referring to the part of the court where Quickley is most dangerous. “We need him taking more of them.”

Zach Lowe named Quickley among his annual “most intriguing players” list heading into the season — a list which Quickley already made a couple years ago, and which is usually reserved for young, up-and-coming and often under-the-radar players who’ve shown flashes of real potential to take a leap.

“You should have graduated from this by now,” Lowe remarked on the podcast.

But availability has been an issue, both for Quickley and for a team that’s struggled to keep everyone healthy. Adding Ingram to the fold will add yet another wrinkle of unfamiliarity to an era in which the Raptors’ core players have not played all that much basketball together. Quickley, Barnes and Barrett have only shared the floor in 38 games.

So, despite the year and a half that’s elapsed since the Knicks trade, the Raptors’ core is still finding its footing as a group. But if Quickley takes a step forward this year, one might expect the team to do the same.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/general/47884/this-player-might-be-the-raptors-biggest-wildcard

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Isolation Basketball might be becoming less relevant

Over the last couple of decades we’ve seen a shift in the playstyle of the NBA. From defensive prowess to ball-handling to superteams to 3-point shooting, a few years can be unforgiving if you’re a player of a particular skillset. Teams come and go from the top and analytics have helped pave the way for what is now being called the “parity era”, where an advantage is hard to come by.

With seven different champions in the last seven years, the recipe for dominance in the NBA is still changing. What the exact ingredients are still isn’t entirely clear, but it has helped prompt a discussion of what can (probably) be left out soon.

In the offseason, most basketball fans flocked to watch the Americup Qualifiers and Eurobasket, prompting the same observations as every other year: bench NBA players having big performances abroad, highlighting the differences in rules, refereeing, and style of play. Some of my favourite examples of the differences between FIBA and the NBA are Dennis Schroder, Simone Fontecchio, and Bruno Caboclo. Guys whose NBA careers have been underwhelming (or forgettable), while their play representing their countries with lower calibre support has been medal-worthy.

So what is the difference then? Why did Giannis say it was harder to score in Europe than the NBA? While some people might think that was rage bait, he isn’t necessarily wrong. Rule differences in FIBA allow for defence to remain in the paint indefinitely, closing lanes to the basket. Travelling calls. It’s also harder to draw a foul. The combination of those things mean that teamwork and ball movement are a priority. With European players like Luka, Jokic, Wemby, and Giannis dominating the NBA as they showcase those abilities and help contribute to winning teams, the importance has shifted slightly from purely individual player talent and more towards roster construction.

NBA, take notes: this is how you move the ball in EuroLeague

pic.twitter.com/tzzJWdrBXE

— AS Monaco Basket EN (@asmonaco_en) March 27, 2025

Teams have been trying to use what has worked in the past, recreating the concept of a “big 3” with little success. Take for instance the 2024-2025 Phoenix Suns. Their top 3 guys were all making roughly $50 million per year, leaving the remainder of the roster to collect less than 10 million annually with the exception of Grayson Allen. Of course injuries were a factor, but when the majority of your money is invested in three players, that’s the risk you take. Outcome? Eliminated from the playoffs altogether. The year prior they were healthier but ended up as the 6th seed, swept by the Timberwolves in the first round. They’re not alone in that endeavor either, with the Nets’, (KD, Kyrie, and Harden followed by KD, Kyrie, and Simmons), Sixers’ (Embiid, PG, Maxey), Clippers’ (Kawai, PG, Harden), Suns’ (Durant, Booker, Beal), and Thunder’s (Westbrook, PG, Melo) attempts all coming up empty.

What did they all have in common? All of those teams have, in part, relied on players who play a lot of isolation, who didn’t have the support when those plays failed.

In fairness, isolation has its place. Limiting turnovers on bad passes and taking advantage of switches and mismatches can help players score, but the defenses are also getting better and that’s making things harder for players who rely on it as a primary scoring method. With continued complaints about soft calls and “gimme” free throws, giving the defender the benefit of the doubt will likely become more commonplace as well.

The difference? Isolation can be a component of an offence, but can’t be the go to.

Jayson Tatum relied on isolation for about 26% of his plays. He averaged only 1.01 points per play on that playtype, but helped lead the Celtics to a championship in 2024. Boston’s primary offensive strategy wasn’t isolation though. They capitalized by stocking up on 3-point shooters. That season, they led the league during the regular season and playoffs for most made three-pointers with 16.5 per game, almost 2 more than the next closest team. They attempted more than 42 a game, tied the record for most made by a team with 29, and now hold 4 of the top 10 spots for most threes attempted by a team (3 of 5 if only counting regulation length games). So, the threat of isolation from Tatum opens up opportunities for kickouts when defences collapse, giving teammates wide open opportunities from long range.

Shai utilized isolation at a similar clip, with a quarter of his possessions coming in that form. OKC earned the championship through their defence, long range shooting, and ball movement, with scoring threats coming from all over the floor, not just Shai taking the ball and getting some points.

In the regular season, the Clippers and the Mavericks were the only two teams who used it more than OKC, but with very different results. Dallas didn’t make the playoffs, and the Clippers found themselves eliminated in the first round. Those teams had heavy isolation though, and no support on the roster to make other plays.

Looking across to the other conference, the Pacers utilized isolation at almost half the rate the OKC did, instead using pace, transition, and cutting to score. This strategy led them to the NBA finals, and seems to be creating part of the blueprint for what we’ll see more of in the future. Seemingly because other strategies actually lead to more points.

The Clippers, Mavericks, and Philly are all trying more than 10 possessions per game in isolation, scoring less than a point per possession. Meanwhile, Denver, Golden State, and Cleveland are all averaging a similar number of possessions per game cutting, but earning far more points while doing it (1.38ppp, 1.27ppp, 1.43ppp, respectively).

Teams are seeing the success of ball movement, off-ball movement, cutting and passing as ways to break up tough defences and score. Boston, OKC, and Indiana all had their own way of doing it, but more teams are adopting those strategies as well.

Here’s a perfect example:

This ball movement by the Cavs is sensational pic.twitter.com/4gYZJzBWid

— Dylan (@dillybar2145__) December 22, 2024

Or another one:

The ball movement from Portland in transition pic.twitter.com/pI7OtWqltb

— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 12, 2025

For Raptors fans this is good news, because the roster construction and offensive schemes seem to be leaning towards a similar style. Despite injuries, there were shades of it all season with plenty of highlight passing and cutting that was fun to watch. With strong shooters in Gradey and Ja’Kobe, good passers in Scottie, Quickley, and RJ, and defensively minded players in CMB, Ochai, and Shead, it seems like Toronto is going to be a part of the wave of the changing NBA.

A few good scorers won’t be enough. Isolation won’t be enough. The recipe requires 15 guys with chemistry and a lot of unselfish basketball.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/general/47870/isolation-basketball-might-be-becoming-less-relevant

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Bridget Carleton comes up big in crucial Lynx Playoff Game

Round one of the WNBA Playoffs has been must-see television, and nothing has gone as predicted. Every series but one has been extended to a third, series-deciding game, and even the sole two-game series was full of excitement.

This season, the WNBA is doing the playoffs a little differently. Round one is still a best-of-three series, but instead of doing a usual home-home-away format for the higher-seeded team, they are testing out a home-away-home format. That means every team in the playoffs was given at least one game, regardless of whether they won a game in the opening series or not. This was implemented after the Indiana Fever were disappointed that they did not get to play a home game in the 2024 season — Caitlin Clark’s first. Since they lost to the Connecticut Sun in two out of a possible three games, they never got to host a game in Indiana.

This new rule was something the first-year expansion team Golden State Valkyries were banking on. After achieving the seemingly impossible by just making the playoffs, the Valkyries were matched up with the No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx. Knowing they were the underdogs, the Valkyries knew their home court advantage had the potential to push the series to three games, and maybe, just maybe, they could win.

The first hurdle came when it was announced that the team would have to play their first playoff game in San Jose as opposed to San Francisco. The Valkyries’ usual home of Chase Center was double-booked, another sign that no one expected them to make the playoffs. Still, the franchise did everything from shuttling fans out to San Jose, decking out a train in Valkyrie Violet, and trying to make San Jose feel like home.

They came extremely close to following suit with the rest of the league and pushing the series to three games. It was an incredible, hard-fought game by the Valkyries. They employed their strategy of keeping the Lynx offence hushed down and played strong defence, while making their signature three-point shots. They had a significant lead on the Lynx in the third quarter and were sailing to victory.

Until Bridget Carleton had something to say about it.

The Canadian led her team’s comeback efforts, starting in the third quarter when the Valkyries led 45-28. She made two back-to-back three-point shots to bring them to 47-34. A few minutes later, Carleton made another shot from distance, decreasing the deficit to 10 points, 50-40 for the Valkyries. She spent the rest of the third quarter making key defensive plays and cleaning up the glass for the Lynx.

When Carleton then re-entered the game in the fourth quarter, she immediately made another key three-pointer, bringing the game within 5 points, 68-63 for the Valkyries. From there, Minnesota trusted its leader in Napheesa Collier to help them gain the advantage over Golden State, and the Lynx won 75-74 in San Jose.

Bridget Carleton catches fire

She connects on back-to-back triples

MIN-GSV | ESPN | WNBA Playoffs presented by@Google pic.twitter.com/mC95hfEjrW

— WNBA (@WNBA) September 18, 2025

This comeback doesn’t happen without Bridget Carleton, though. Her ability to avert defences from Napheesa Collier and stick those all-important shots from distance is what brought the Lynx back into the game. Her defence also helps them be able to retain possessions and also stop opponents from getting second chance opportunities. In a one-point victory, that’s so key.

She finished the game with 12 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and was a team-high +10 on the court for Minnesota.

With this win, the Lynx clinch their first-round series and will head to round two, where they await the winner of the New York Liberty/Phoenix Mercury series. They will also get the most rest out of anyone in the playoffs, as all other series are going to game threes, being played Thursday and Friday night. Round two will likely start on Sunday.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/wnba-cont...ton-minnesota-lynx-wnba-playoffs-golden-state

 

[Toronto Raptors]

New faces and new changes for the Raptors’ offence

The Raptors’ offence in the 2025-26 season will be quite unlike what it looked like last year. At least, one hopes.

The 24-25 campaign was brutal for Toronto, riddled with numerous injuries and failure to reach the postseason condemning the team to mediocrity. One of the worst stains on the team was the state of their offence: 25th in the league in offensive rating, boasting only one player who scored more than 21 points, and nobody on the team dishing out more than 6 assists per game. Despite memories of that 30-52 record fresh in their minds, Raptors fans can be cautiously optimistic about the state of next season’s team from an offensive standpoint. 2025-26 could herald in the beginning of a new era for Raptors offence, and while the team is unlikely to break out this season, this season should be a step in the right direction towards playoff success.

The biggest change​

What will characterize the new Raptors’ offence moreso than anything else is the presence of Brandon Ingram. The small forward is a reliable scorer at moderate volume, but serves as an upgrade for Toronto’s particularly low-scoring team last year. Slotting into the 3, Ingram’s insertion into the lineup could move RJ Barrett to his natural position of shooting guard, and return Gradey Dick to the bench, deepening the Raptors’ lineup considerably.

Ingram brings a lot to the Raptors that they have lacked in the post-Siakam era, notably the aforementioned scoring punch, and reliability from the three-point line at high volume. With franchise player Scottie Barnes’ role as a do-it-all point-forward, it would make sense for Ingram to embrace the position of being the number one scoring option to compliment his teammate’s broad skillset.

Embracing Ingram as a number one scoring option has its risks, however. While Ingram is the most pedigreed scorer on the Raptors, he has historically never cracked 25 points per game, only reaching 24.7 as a Pelican during a year that his co-star Zion Williamson was sidelined. The presence of other competent scorers in the form of Barrett and Barnes does not leave him a similar offensive void to fill here in Toronto, unless there is to be another rash of injuries. On a healthy Raptors team, Ingram will be sharing the ball with co-stars who are used to being major parts of the offence. Barring a meaningful leap in production, it appears likely that Brandon Ingram will simply be one more part of Raptors’ scoring chorus, albeit its loudest member.

The cornerstones​

The Raptors are entering this season with most of the same pieces from last year. For these returning players, their best ability this season will be their availability. With much of the starting lineup missing substantial time last year, the sample size to gauge team chemistry and success will be expanded this year.

Immanuel Quickley in particular will be one of the Raptors’ biggest assets. Toronto’s starting point guard only played 33 games last year, but in doing so, characterized himself as their most reliable shooter from range, as well as a primary facilitator alongside Scottie Barnes. Quickley was one of two starters to average more than two made threes per game last year, which speaks to his indispensable nature as a part of the lineup. The Raptors’ bench has distinguished itself with accurate shooting throughout the last season compared to the starting lineup. The efforts of Ochai Agbaji and sophomore Jamison Battle are notable, boasting two of the highest three-point shooting percentages on the Raptors.

What Scottie Barnes does in year five will further define the offence in large part. Barnes, despite being the current face of the Raptors, has an uncertain path forward. He can score, rebound, and dish out assists, but has not distinguished himself as a premier scorer or defender in the league. Scottie’s development as a player must be scrutinized as he approaches his mid-twenties, with hopes of his return to All-Star form, and of an improvement upon last year’s three point shooting performance.

An alternate path forward​

There exists an unlikely, but possible, potential lineup for the Raptors going into next season that would significantly change Toronto’s offensive identity. This would come as a result of keeping Gradey Dick as the starting shooting guard, and moving RJ Barrett to the bench.

This could change a few things for the Raptors. It would allow Dick to continue developing at an accelerated pace due to additional responsibility, and makes the Raptors more dangerous from long range at 1-3, potentially improving spacing for Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl to operate closer to the basket. Barrett’s volume off the bench could be invaluable to the team, while removing the glaring weakness of a primary scoring option who was 21st out of 23 Raptors in free-throw percentage, at 63% from the line. As a Knick, where Barrett was a starter, he had gone on record as saying that he would not be opposed to coming off the bench were it to mean greater team success. And for the Raptors, experimenting with such a thing is worthy of an attempt, as the Raptors constitute a new identity.

RJ Barrett says that if needed, he is comfortable coming off the bench to play:

"Whatever we need to do to win is what we'll do… if that's what I have to do, then I'll do it. I'm very willing and glad to." pic.twitter.com/YCHL07XC4x

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) October 2, 2023

This change is unlikely, however. Barrett led his team in points last year, and served as the number one option with Scottie Barnes out. He is also set to make more than $27,000,000 next season: starter money that I cannot imagine the front office condoning the use of on a sixth man.

Going into 25-26, the Raptors offence is set to improve dramatically with the increased presence of key players like Immanuel Quickley, and the addition of who is likely to be the team’s primary scorer in Brandon Ingram. Rather than revolving around a single star, the Raptors will likely continue sharing the offensive responsibility, as well as the limelight, until there emerges a player with the All-Star, All-NBA calibre talent that is necessary to lift the team into the top of the standings once again.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/nba-news-...andon-ingram-scottie-barnes-immanuel-quickley

 

[Toronto Raptors]

2K26 shows the Raptors little love

Heading into the 2025-2026 season, the NBA 2K rankings were announced in advance of the anticipated game release in early September. As per usual there’s some that were too high, some were too low, and some were just right.

In regular fashion though, 2K has continued with their habit of underrating some of the Raptors (shocker). It’s never just about the numeric rating, it’s where they are relative to other players in the NBA.

So let’s break down where the roster in terms of their rating and see where we can hope for changes before the first updates in November.

The Starters:

Scottie Barnes- 85

Scottie leads Raptors with an OVR of 85. It’s the same rating he started the season with last year, which ballooned briefly before falling back to 85 in April. After averaging 19-8-6 on 45% shooting, his production dropped a bit with injuries and roster changes but still played well, especially defensively. The fact that he shares a rating with De’Aaron Fox and OG Anunoby seems fairly respectful. Until you find out that Derrick White is an 87. And then it starts to get a bit insulting. Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, and Zion Williamson are all rated higher and if I had to choose between Scottie and any of those guys it wouldn’t require a second thought. Honestly, he should be an 86 or those guys should be dropped down to at least the same level.

Brandon Ingram – 84

This one seems a little bit fair because he sat out most of the season. Last year he was an 85, so the single point drop is more than likely a reflection of his lack of reps recently. I think this will probably be the biggest riser as the season goes on. When he was healthy, 2k24 gave him an OVR of 87 at the close of the season. It’s more than realistic to expect him to be back around there if he’s able to stay healthy.

RJ Barrett – 82

His rating has flip-flopped a bit, with an 83 OVR in 2k24, an 81 in 2k25, and now he’s right in the middle of those. Despite unnecessary criticism, RJ had a really solid season. Improving in a lot of ways, especially from a facilitation standpoint. With some of the lineups the Raps were using last year, he didn’t get enough credit for some of the stuff he was able to do. I’d give him the 83 back.

IQ – 81

This one I’m actually on board for. He spent a lot of time hurt last year, and when he did play, his numbers weren’t out of this world. Averaging only 17 points a game, this feels like the neighborhood he should be in. It’s also consistent with last year. With him being healthier this year, I would expect to see him up to 82 by November though.

Poeltl – 80

This seems like a solid rating for a big man that doesn’t conform to the NBA’s current standard that requires long range shooting. Jokic obviously leads centers in the league, with Wemby and AD following (which makes sense). Even the next few including JJJ, Sengun, and Zubac all make sense. But apparently, John Collins, Naz Reid (a backup centre) and Jalen Duren are all at least 2 OVR better than him. I’m giving Jak the 82 if those guys get it.

The Bench:

Gradey – 78

Mamu – 75

Ja’Kobe – 74

Mogbo – 74

Ochai – 73

AJ – 73

Shead – 73

CMB – 72

Battle – 71

Temple – 70

Shead and Mogbo have all shown some defensive chops but are still putting things together on the other end. Of course, as sophomore players, keeping them low until they prove you otherwise is valid. They’re on par with where those with similar stats are within the league, and when you look at their placement among their draft class it’s reasonable.

The biggest complaint here probably Ja’Kobe. While his rookie season was tenuous with injuries, he had a really solid showing, especially towards the end. Statistically he’s significantly better than Adem Bona and Pelle Larson who he shares a rating with, and I’d rather have him than Dalton Knecht or Ryan Dunn who were both given higher OVRs.

Gradey is another one that’s questionable. Among his draft class he’s 11th, behind Brandin Poziemski and Cason Wallace, both of whom he outdid in pretty much every statistical category. If they are 79s, so is he. I’m really hoping this will be a big year for him though and that he’ll make the jump to 80.

For CMB and Ochai, the reality of defence doing less for their OVR than offence holds true. CMB showed flashes during summer league that were genuinely impressive. He’s started out at 9th in his class, but I would expect to see him closer to 7th by the first updates. Ochai will probably climb a little too, but I anticipate this is more to see if he’s able to maintain his 3-point shooting.

For AJ, Temple, Mamu, and Battle, they’re right on par in the 70s where most teams’ benches are sitting. I’m not mad about any of them and suspect they’ll continue to float in that area for most of the season.

The Two-Ways

Alijah Martin – 69

Chomche – 68

Chucky – 68

This is pretty on-par with where the other two-way players are. Every team has a handful of guys in the high 60s, but they’ll spend most of the time in the G-League so this feels like a good spot for all of them. Although it’s probably a few years away, I expect Chomche will be the first of the three that will break 70.

Hopefully with better health, a better season, and a bit more respect we’ll see some climbing among their OVRs by November.

There are a few more OVRs that should really change in November too though…

Three ratings that were too low

1. Tyrese Maxey (86)

At no point in time should a guy who can get you 52 points in a single game be rated this low. I don’t care if he’s hurt, if guys like Embiid, Kat, and Kawhi can all stay in the 90s than he deserves AT LEAST an 89. As a Raptors fan, Philly is public enemy 1, but this is just wild.

1. Aaron Gorden (82)

Did anyone watch Denver without him? He’s a three-level threat that plays with his heart on his sleeve and gives 100% effort. With guys who are statistically worse, bench players, and rookies rated higher, this feels rude.

1. Jalen Johnson (81)

His defence this year was impressive, as was his statistical performance. Averaging a double double while being an insane wing defender should earn you at least an 83. Up is down if this is actually a good rating for him.

Three ratings that were too high

1. Kawhi Leonard (92)

This is probably controversial, but if injury is affects a rating, he should be lower. Not to mention his performances as a whole last season were underwhelming, averaging his fewest points since the 2017-2018 season. I get that some of his historic performance spills over, but this is a 90 in my mind.

1. Amen Thompson (87)

Real question, did someone pay for this rating? 14 points per game? 28% from long range? Don’t get me wrong, I see the talent and role he played for the Rockets this season, but this feels just as bad as the Derrick White inflation. Even an 85 would’ve felt generous. Take in that this puts him above Tyrese Maxey.

1. Julius Randle (86)

His inability to play in the playoffs is my biggest issue here, as well as the drop in production with his move to the T-Wolves. He shouldn’t be tied with Maxey, he shouldn’t be higher than Scottie, and an 84 feels like a better spot to start the year for him.

On November 7 the ratings will update, and we’ll have to see if the Raptors finally get some respect and if some of the other *creative* ratings shift.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/general/47942/2k26-shows-the-raptors-little-love

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Which Raptors starters are worth selecting in fantasy basketball?

With fantasy football seasons nearly 25 per cent of the way through, it’s time to start looking at other sports in a never-ending pursuit of living out our dreams of being a professional sports general manager.

The Toronto Raptors aren’t the most prolific team in the NBA, but just like in other fantasy sports, players don’t necessarily have to be on elite teams to provide value. There are serviceable players to be found everywhere, and it is often mystery teams like the Raptors that should be combed through for potential league winners.

Here’s what several Raptors can offer to your fantasy team.

This mini-guide assumes fantasy players are in a 12-team head-to-head nine-category league. It also incorporates FantasyPros’ consensus average draft position (ADP) and Hashtag Basketball’s rankings.

Scottie Barnes​

2025-26 ADP: 26

2024-25 Ranking: 60

2023-24 Ranking: 21

Since entering the league in 2021-22, Barnes has helped win fantasy leagues as someone capable of stuffing stat sheets on any given night. Barnes was basically a fantasy cheat code in his first two seasons, especially if he was available in some of the later-to-middle rounds of drafts.

What hinders Barnes the most is his three-point shooting. He typically hurts fantasy owners more than the average poor shooter because of the freedom he’s given in Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic’s system. Barnes is averaging 30 per cent on 3.6 attempts from the perimeter.

Despite this, Barnes continues to be an attractive option at the beginning of the third round because of his triple-double potential and defensive stats. Barnes finished 12th in stocks (steals and blocks) last season. Out of the 11 players ranked ahead of him, only the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have the usage and playmaking chops that Barnes boasts.

Barnes is also a flexible player when building out a fantasy team in H2H nine-category leagues. He’s an elite complementary piece to any of the first-rounders in fantasy.

RJ Barrett​

2025-26 ADP: 72

2024-25 Ranking: 115

2023-24 Ranking: 145

As gritty and improved as Barrett has been since playing for his hometown team, his playstyle historically doesn’t translate to fantasy basketball, particularly when in nine-category leagues. If Barretts falls deeper into the eighth and ninth rounds, it becomes slightly easier to draft him, but anything earlier than that is a bit of a trap.

Brandon Ingram’s health could also dramatically alter Barrett’s end-of-season outcomes. If Barrett’s numbers spike should Ingram get sidelined, he becomes an elite trading chip.

Brandon Ingram​

2025-26 ADP: 74

2024-25 Ranking: 47

2023-24 Ranking: 57

Just like in reality, the best ability Ingram can bring to the Raptors this season is availability. Ingram averaged 50 games a season during his six years in New Orleans. But should Ingram remain healthy, he’s a near-guarantee to return tremendous value for where he’s currently going in drafts. Ingram boasts an ADP of 74, which slots him during the early portion of the seventh round. Even with the injuries, Ingram has finished as a top 60 player in the last five seasons.

Rounds 6-7 are a popular spot for the “centre-run” with options like Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves), Deandre Ayton (Los Angeles Lakers) and the Raptors’ Jakob Poeltl available, but if fantasy owners can address their big man earlier in drafts or through a sleeper option late, then Ingram is an intriguing pivot.

Ingram is known for his prolific scoring, but his assist numbers are elite for the small forward position. Ingram also boasts sneaky defensive numbers. It’s not a coincidence that the 76ers’ Paul George, who is similar in archetype, is ranked next to him in ADP.

Jakob Poeltl​

2025-26 ADP: 73

2024-25 Ranking: 54

2023-24 Ranking: 89

There may not be a more reliable (and predictable) centre to take in some of the later rounds than Poeltl, and in fantasy, that makes the chase for a championship manageable. Poeltl provides top-tier production for those looking to bolster the following categories – field goal percentage, rebounds, and blocks.

Poeltl’s optimal lineup archetype punts free-throw percentages, making him an ideal depth piece if fantasy owners select players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Domantas Sabonis and Barnes.

As previously mentioned, Poeltl is typically part of the panic run on centres that also includes Kristaps Porzingis, Alex Sarr, and Mark Williams. Out of the bigs available in that range, Poeltl has the clearest path to production, especially on a team like the Raptors that desperately depends on him.

Immanuel Quickley​

2025-26 ADP: 85

2024-25 Ranking: 100

2023-24 Ranking: 106

While Barrett may be the least appealing starting Raptor in fantasy, Quickley could be the riskiest option. He burned teams who took him earlier than expected last season. Most of Quickley’s struggles stemmed from a plethora of injuries that made it difficult to develop a rhythm on the court.

Quickley is currently being drafted inside the top 100 – at the beginning of the 10th round – but there’s a realistic chance he either fails to return the investment or finishes where he’s expected to. In the double-digit rounds of the draft, fantasy players should prioritize high-upside over safe bets.

Out of the Raptors’ starters, Quickley’s role may end up changing the most with Ingram’s arrival. A more positive outlook could include Quickley settling into the role of a ‘catch-and-shoot guard who is also occasionally capable of creating their own look’. That’s something he thrived in during his tenure with the New York Knicks.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/raptors-a...rs-fantasy-basketball-roster-picks-statistics

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Jamison Battle’s role on Raptors’ squad is clear

In his first year in the league, Jamison Battle established an identity for himself as a three point specialist for the Toronto Raptors, with his abilities from long range earning him a regular contract with the team. As Battle enters his sophomore year, his role as a shooter is likely to further crystallize as new additions and his own skillset will go on to push him to focus even further into his particular niche.

Battle has distinguished himself as a solid scorer off the bench, playing off-ball, and taking and making catch-and-shoot three pointers. Last season, he ranked second in three-point shooting efficiency for the team, shooting 40.5% from deep, making 1.8 threes per game. He also ranks in the top five for both three points made, and three points attempted on a per game basis. Clearly, the guy can shoot: but what else?

Battle beyond the 3​

As a finisher, Battle plays passably around the rim, not afraid of a layup off a pass, as well as the occasional dunk, without much flashiness or demonstration of athletic prowess. His rebounding numbers are not much to speak of, and while he is capable of passing when the situation demands, facilitation is not something common to see from him on the basketball court. His numbers as a defender do not stand out, either. During his Summer League tenure, Battle turned in solid, but not outstanding performances as a Raptors starter, of a similar nature to what he provided coming off the bench in the regular season. However, a lot of this doesn’t matter because of the forward’s clear identity. Battle has a role and plays it well: bringing the Raptors firepower off the bench. His primary offensive responsibility is clear, but the question for him remains; how large of a role will he have in the 2025-26 squad?

The shooter played 59 games for the team in the 2024-25 season, starting in 10, as a part of last year’s injury-riddled roster. With hopes for a healthier team, it seems inevitable that Jamison Battle’s usage will decrease slightly, but as aforementioned, space for a high quality shooter will always be there on this Raptors’ team, which draws so much of its long-range ability from its bench. With the addition of Brandon Ingram to the starting lineup, and Gradey Dick’s likely move to the 6th man slot, the bench gets deeper, but minutes for guys like Battle will likely decrease as a result. Battle and Dick play similar roles in the Raptors’ offence, with the latter given more of a green light for inside scoring that Battle is. Ingram, as well, will be taking a number of threes that might otherwise have gone to Battle, but the latter’s role as a specialized offensive weapon suggests that Battle will continue to be used as such. A do-it-all player can be outshone by a player who does it all better than them, but Battle is not such a figure: rather, he excels in his niche, and despite encroachments upon his specialty, will continue to maintain his position as a sophomore.

Battle’s role will likely remain consistent under the system of coach Darko Rajaković, despite the addition of new rookie Colin Murray-Boyles to the team. When push comes to shove, the Raptors will likely choose to focus more energy on the development of their new forward than towards Battle, but the two players have such different roles on the team, the potential of one stifling the growth of the other is unlikely. Battle will likely continue to stay the course as a sophomore, raining fire upon the Raptors’ opponents from afar, without being asked to do more of the dirty work close to the basket.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/raptors-r...s-squad-is-clear-raptors-nba-2025-2026-season

 

[Toronto Raptors]

It’s time to scrap the Raptors’ chevron

Dear Chevron,

It’s been five years since you took over. Those five years have been, well, not ideal.

I know, of course, that the team’s downward trajectory throughout your tenure has not been your doing.

You did not draft Malachi Flynn over Desmond Bane, nor did you convince Fred VanVleet to take the money in Houston.

You did not force the team to relocate temporarily to Tampa, just as you got your promotion to the primary jerseys. No, you did not hold onto Pascal Siakam too long, only to trade him as his value tanked ahead of his impending free agency. And it was by no fault of your own that the team’s championship core, built to win in 2019, had aged and mostly left Toronto within a couple years. These things were not, in fact, your fault.

And yet it cannot be helped that these things happened under your watch. Just as you were immortalized by Game 6 in 2019 at Oracle Arena, you’ve also become inseparable from the subsequent plunge into play-in jostling and lottery simulators.

I know what you’re thinking: Those 1995-’99 Raptors had far less success than we’ve had the last five years. Why don’t those uniforms have a stink to them?

The answer is simple, if not slightly cruel: Those jerseys were nice. They look cool, even on a losing team. They ooze nostalgia. To be radically transparent, you fit none of those criteria.

You look clunky. A red jersey with a black chevron containing red lettering with white outlines — it’s just too damn busy. The purple dino jerseys evoke the ‘90s and the charm of an upstart franchise. You evoke a multinational oil and gas corporation.

You’ve had your moments, in fairness.

The @Raptors WIN Game 6 on the road and are your 2018/19 NBA Champions!

Kyle Lowry: 26 PTS, 4 3PT, 10 AST
Pascal Siakam: 26 PTS, 3 3PT, 10 REB
Fred VanVleet: 22 PTS, 5 3PT
Kawhi Leonard: 22 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST
Serge Ibaka: 15 PTS, 3 REB#WeTheNorth | #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/mMXluMgYgP

— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) June 14, 2019

Like many of the Raptors’ homegrown players in the mid-2010s, you, too, started off as a project. You were much smaller when you graced the sides of the uniforms dating back to the 1999-’00 Vince Carter dunk contest jerseys, and all the way through the Bosh, Bargnani and early Lowry/DeRozan eras. You’d pointed downwards originally. But in 2015 they flipped you upside down because, well, We the North.

By 2017 you were given your first starring role on a jersey. It was a black jersey with a gold chevron across the chest, the word “NORTH” written in black — clean, simple and a nice use of the OVO colors.

The following year they added the same thing but in white, as well as the red-and-white “NORTH” jersey that looks like a Canadian flag — which the team wore when it clinched the NBA championship.

It was that happy memory, I think, that inspired the team to promote you from an alternate look to the team’s visual identity, from its jerseys all the way to the Raptors’ court design. And for that memory alone, you will always have a place in the Raptors’ greatest moments.

But years of mediocrity have tested people’s faith in you. The team even moved away from the court in a quiet admission that there is, in fact, such a thing as “too much chevron.”

For me, “too much” chevron is when it’s featured on anything more than an alternate jersey. Fair or not, your goofy-looking shape is seared in my brain with images of Aron Baynes push shots and Vision 6’9 lineups held scoreless for minutes at a time.

It’s time to move on.

Sure, I admire your uniqueness. I honestly can’t come up with a single team in NBA history who’s worn a jersey that so prominently features the chevron.

But maybe all those teams were onto something.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/general/47997/its-time-to-scrap-the-raptors-chevron

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Toronto Raptors GM reveals how team will operate in first post-Masai season

So much feels the same as we head into another Toronto Raptors season, but in another way, everything is different. It’s the little things, like how, for the first time in over a decade, the Toronto Raptors front office was not represented on media day by Masai Ujiri. Instead, it was Bobby Webster, the newly minted General Manager AND Head of Basketball Operations, who stood atop the podium this time. Before you get confused, it wasn’t Raptors media day yet, which is next week, but Webster couldn’t make it, so he spoke on Friday afternoon.

Webster heads into the season as the new face of the team, and while he assured the media that the day-to-day of the Raptors hasn’t changed much in the absence of Ujiri, it’s a big year for the team. It’s time to determine if this core is as good as expected, or if the team needs to shift in a different direction to get back to winning ways. Always cool as a cucumber, Webster is confident in all aspects of this team — operations, roster, and coaching.

The “kid from Hawaii” as he described himself, casually sat atop the podium in the media room of the OVO Athletic Centre in his signature blue jacket, sipping water after apologizing for his tardiness — he had run a Terry Fox race this morning. After over a decade with the Raptors, Webster is used to the kind of questions the Toronto media asks him, and he responded to everything from roster choices to financial concerns and coaching confidence.

The Team’s Health​

Health and wellness a hot topic in the NBA these days. An 82-game regular season, playoffs, and now an in-season tournament mean the year is gruelling for players. We saw three big injuries in the playoffs last season — Damian Lillard, Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum all suffered Achilles ruptures. The Raptors have had their own share of injuries over the past few seasons. Scottie Barnes has struggled with some wrist issues, Brandon Ingram’s ankle injury means he has yet to play for the team, and the list goes on.

The first question Webster answered addressed the team’s health: everyone on the roster is ready to go for training camp next week. Ingram has made progress and seems to be ready to go, and everyone who ended last season with an ailment spent the offseason recuperating.

When it comes to the long-term health of the team and preventing injury, Webster said with a laugh that “you’d become a billionaire” if you learned how to prevent injury. As for trying, he says the team has extensive discussions in the offseason about keeping players healthy going into the season. The team is well known for its league-wide reputation of having great health and recovery systems, something they are proud of.

While it’s impossible to predict and prevent injuries, they do what they can. Going into the season with a clean slate helps.

The Core Roster​

It’s a big year for the team, especially the core. After getting Brandon Ingram, the fact that Barnes is going into his fifth NBA season, and RJ Barrett’s looming contract extension eligibility, a lot is riding on this season. Will this core be good enough to invest in? Or is the competition league-wide too much, and it’s time to shake it up (again).

Webster says he spoke to Scottie Barnes this week about the upcoming season. Topics in their chat included continuing his leadership development, making sure he is an elite defender, and integrating Ingram into the system. Webster is proud of Barnes’s leadership, saying he’s “grown up” in the past year, especially after the birth of his first child. As Webster said, “that kind of stuff forces you to grow up.”

They have the potential to be pretty good, too. The Eastern Conference is weak, especially with those aforementioned All-Star injuries affecting the East most. The Raptors have a path to a top-6 seed if this core plays well together. Yet, we haven’t seen them hit the court. It won’t take long to get a sense of their ceiling once the season starts, and Webster said that they are not afraid to change course if needed. They intend to be good.

Darko’s confidence is high​

Obviously, one of the many microscopes on this team this year will be on Darko Rajakovic and his staff. We will talk to Darko next week at media day, but Webster has all the faith in his head coach. He mentioned Darko’s confidence in his own coaching ability, how much the players believe in him, and how Darko’s specific “win the day” style leads to long-term results with young players.

There is also a sense of being settled in. It’s Rajakovic’s third season as the team’s head coach. Not much personnel has changed in the offseason, both when it comes to players on his roster and his coaching staff. Everyone is comfortable in their roles, knows what their jobs are, and is ready to get to work. All of the team building over the past two years has been so that when this moment eventually came, this team was ready.

With the confidence of his players, general manager, and the “guys upstairs,” Darko has everything he needs to succeed this season. For the first time, it seems like his real coaching ability will be on display. No more “well they are tanking” or “injuries aren’t in his favour.” It’s time for him to show off his skills at a level he hasn’t had to before.

Yet, all that pressure is coming from the outside. On the inside, Webster has full confidence in Darko, saying there is “no pressure” on him.

Check out the X thread of Bobby’s availability below:

Bobby pic.twitter.com/m8HOEySG6G

— chelsea leite (@chelsealeite) September 26, 2025

The rest of the team, plus Darko Rajakovic, will be available to speak at media day on Monday, September 29.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/raptors-t...-bobby-webster-media-day-masai-preseason-team

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Brandon Ingram tasked with “setting the standard” for Toronto Raptors

When you get as many press conferences in a row as we do on Media Day, themes start to arise. For the Toronto Raptors, everything seemed to focus on their newest star player — Brandon Ingram. From welcoming him to the team to analyzing how he makes them better, the newest Raptor starter brings intrigue and potential to this roster. He’s the main factor in why the Raptors are touted to be a playoff team this season, and his scoring ability is needed on a team that has struggled with that in recent years.

For Ingram himself he is just excited to get back on the basketball court. Out with a severe ankle sprain, he has not played since December 7th, 2024. Ingram describes basketball as his “safe haven,” and getting back to it is of utmost importance to him. He’s excited about this fresh start he’s been given, and the chance to play in front of Toronto’s passionate fans.

BI stepping into a new chapter and setting the standard. pic.twitter.com/AAR8OBBosn

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) September 29, 2025

Ingram poised to take over team offence​

Obviously, one of the biggest reasons the Raptors went out and got Ingram was because he is a multi-level scoring threat. The plan is for him to take over this team’s offence, but also to help the other starters shine as well. He joked at his own media day availability that he knows how to pass the ball, and the balance of him creating his own chances and also passing it out to the others will be the key to a successful Raptors offence.

Ingram can shoot from distance but also drive, and is known for his efficiency as a scorer, as well as his ability to create points for himself in isolation. Yet, that means he attracts a lot of defence from opponents. By alleviating the pressure on Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, those guys will have more open scoring chances. It’s about knowing what the best play is, and making sure your ego is in check enough to make those reads, according to Ingram.

The other guys are excited about this prospect as well. Quickley mentioned the way he has been working on versatility on offence so that he can make the most of those chances he will get. Barrett was nearly giddy at the idea of being able to show off his efficiency more. Scottie felt the relief of having yet another option to go to.

As his coach, Darko Rajakovic just wanted Ingram to be himself — and that means scoring.

Showing off his leadership​

Brandon Ingram comes across as a quiet guy. When you peel back that exterior layer, he actually seems like the kind of guy who just takes a minute to open up. That soft spokenness is just a different flavour of leadership this Raptors team has at their disposal. Ingram has been described as a “lead by example” kind of guy, which is fantastic for a team filled with young potential.

That has come into play so far as the team has tried to build offseason chemistry. The starters have met up multiple times over the summer to work out, play together, build chemistry, and get reps. This group has yet to take the court together, and they will have to learn as they go, with no time to play together last season, due to injuries.

Ingram took it upon himself to host one of these meetups in California. He gets a sense of joy from putting in the work and going through the process. Bobby Webster called him a “hooper’s hooper” last week. He says he gets that work ethic from his dad, who ran a rec gym in his hometown during his childhood. All of that will come into play as Ingram immediately takes on a leadership role on this roster he has yet to play a game with.

Adapting to the Rajakovic system​

Darko’s system is all about defence. Defence creates offence, and he wants his players to take pride in the defence they play. Ingram, as fans will know, is more of an offence-minded player. That doesn’t mean he can’t adapt, though. He almost feels eager to do so. After all, the best players in today’s NBA are two-way threats.

Ingram is always the first to say how much fun he thinks basketball is. Even though many may say defence is less fun, Ingram still thinks it’s fun. He told the media today that he feels the responsibility to show up as his best every single day for this team. He is willing to do whatever it takes to win, and that means being a tough defender.

Everything is different for Ingram in Toronto. He was surprised upon coming here that every single home game is packed, despite how well or not well the team is doing in the season. He appreciates the enthusiasm from fans, the atmosphere, and the opportunity he has here.

It will be exciting to see how he fits into this new role on a new team.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/raptors-t...-goals-scoring-leadership-media-training-camp

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Toronto Raptors Media Day Live Thread

We’re back for Toronto Raptors Media Day ahead of the 2025-2026 NBA Season. This thread will update live after every press conference today, starting with Darko Rajakovic at 9:30am.

Darko Rajakovic​

Darko began by reflecting on his previous two years with the team, discussing the whirlwind of changes that occurred throughout each season. He is excited for consistency this year and has been getting positive feedback from players and the organization.

He discussed his focus on winning, which remains unchanged. He thinks his team is hungry to compete, and his team is focusing on that high level of competition. He was intentional during the offseason about figuring out how to build chemistry with this team as a unit, given their individual talent and lack of playing time together. He emphasized defence as a pillar of their system. He also emphasized the team embracing and working with each other’s skill sets.

Darko also talked about adding Brandon Ingram to the team and his expectations for him. He said Ingram is heading into his prime and wants him to be a lead playmaker and scorer for the team. Yet, there was also an emphasis on Scottie Barnes being the leader defensively and raising the standard team-wide. He also talked about the depth of this team being better than in years past, meaning he may be able to have a bigger rotation.

There was also a moment when he mentioned talking to Garrett Temple about the player’s offseason process, another bit of proof of the importance of his leadership. Yet, the team also takes on leadership, inviting players to come work out in various locations, having their own “mini-camps” all over.

On a personal level, Darko talked about knowing how the offseason works a lot better in his third summer with the Raptors. His team made sure to frontload their offseason work, planning so that there wasn’t a rush when it came to August. He holds a coaches retreat every summer for his staff, and then he was able to take a good amount of time off to rest and recharge. He also talked about learning about Bobby Webster’s promotion and how it made him confident in the team’s direction.

There was also mention of the “summer projects” with players on an individual level. His staff created some goals and tried to work with players on a 1-on-1 level in different capacities.

He also spoke on the rise of basketball in Canada, adorably saying his son already identifies as “half Serbian, half Canadian” and wants his players to feel that same pride when they come to play in Toronto.

Scottie Barnes​

Scottie Barnes starts by emphasizing the “complete roster” this team has, knowing they have depth and talent to succeed. He talked about building his relationship with Ingram, saying he is a quiet leader but his on-court skills are apparent, calling him “phenomenal.”

He talked about feeling like a much different player now compared to when he came into the league. He knew he was always good defensively, but his offence, handles, and playmaking have improved. He has grown his game by adding depth to his shot.

He also talked about his connection with Darko, saying it continues to get closer, and they have a great sense of communication and connection. He likes the way he runs the team, calls things live in action, and is happy with him as his coach.

Scottie was vocal about feeling like one of the best two-way players in the game, and wants to add wins to that resume. He also mentioned the summer league crew setting the standard for how they are coming into the season. He wants to be the hardest-working team in the league.

The vibes of the team haven’t changed much; they hold themselves to a high standard. While there is more outside noise this season about the team being better, they want to prove that. Scottie wants the fans to know that this team wants to “make this team exciting to watch,” and appreciates everyone riding with them for the past few years.

Brandon Ingram​

Brandon Ingram will be heading into his first games as a Raptor this fall and is excited to get back on the court after being out with an injury. He has been impressed so far by how hard the guys work on this team, and is happy to be a part of that culture. He said it feels like a fresh start, getting to come back from injury and also be with a new team.

He also mentioned watching RJ Barrett this summer, seeing improvement and being impressed with the way Barrett works. He enjoys how vocal Immanuel Quickley is as a leader. He has loved seeing every seat in the arena filled no matter if the team is winning or losing, something he noted was different from New Orleans, his previous team.

Ingram also emphasized Darko’s push for him to move without the basketball, saying it will help make his offence more dynamic. He is looking forward to playing in front of the Toronto crowd, and thinks it will hit him that he is playing for this iconic franchise once he does make that debut. He said he thinks people don’t expect him to pass the ball much, but he is working on bringing a different energy and making sure everyone is sharing the ball and making the right plays.

He also talked about his dad running a rec gym during his childhood, it being his safe haven, and how important basketball is to him.

Jakob Poeltl​

Poeltl started his time by saying the improvements to the younger players on the team, and how that will impact the team’s performance. Poeltl emphasized Ingram’s ability to score, be a three-level threat, and how he has the ability to make stuff happen for the team.

He also emphasized the uniqueness of the Raptors’ style of basketball and how they will need to adapt as they see different styles as they meet different opponents. No one in practice seems to be trying to take a spotlight, and according to Poeltl, there is a lot of communication and cohesiveness so far in practice. He wants the team to get back into a winning position, and the plan of development was going to have some low points, but they expect to improve. He said everyone is “dialled in.”

He wants them to have a “breakout year” as a young squad and surprise their opponents. A playoff run with some wins would also be nice. Poeltl mentioned that he has a pretty good handle on how Ingram plays and it feels natural to him, but he is looking to build in-game chemistry with him. He is impressed by Ingram’s buy-in to defence.

Poeltl talked about extending his contract, saying he felt comfortable in Toronto as a city, with the fans, and mentioned being excited about “the project” presented to him by the team. All of those were factors in him signing his extension this summer.

He also talked about being able to work with Sandro on bringing a different dynamic to their position. He likes that they bring different things to the table, and wants them to make each other better.

RJ Barrett​

Barrett started his time by saying that he does, in fact, pass the ball. Like Ingram, he went into the things that surprised him about his new teammate, specifically his driving. He also mentioned the mindset of seeing the Blue Jays make the playoffs and says, “That will be us soon.”

He mentioned he was really tired after last season, and feels refreshed now. He talked about the importance of balance and rest, which he prioritized this summer, and he is itching to get back on the court now. When it comes to clearing up misconceptions about his game, he says he “has never been a horrible defender,” but is committed to rounding out his game this year, watching film, and having that edge. He says this team is “unselfish.”

Barrett says this team wants to surprise the league. He says he can adapt to play with good players, and the goal is always to win. He doesn’t worry about himself too much, and he finds a way to affect the game.

He wants to get back to the efficiency he saw when he first got traded to Toronto. He says the starting five is really enjoying their time together, getting to know each other, and building their chemistry while healthy. He also conveys a desire to get to the playoffs and win.

Barrett says being at home in Toronto helps his mental game quite a lot, given he grew up 25 minutes down the road in Mississauga. He says the organization does an excellent job of welcoming guys here and making sure they have everything they need to succeed. He also mentioned, “How could you not love it here? Doesn’t matter if it gets a little cold.”

Overall, RJ was in a great mood, and he seemed well rested and energetic. He was cracking jokes, smiling, and messing around with media members. It was really fun to see.

Immanuel Quickley​

Quickley is excited for the season ahead, and spent his offseason going back to the drawing board. He says that anytime he is on the floor, he tries to be the best. He is confident in his ability to lead a game, and his individual goals all start with the team winning.

He says it’s been great having the time to be able to play with the starting five in the offseason a lot. They have been building chemistry, practicing unselfishness, and being cohesive as a team. He highlighted the versatility of this team, how they can defend multiple positions, and how that is generally the trend of the NBA. He also talked about being able to affect the game in other ways than scoring.

IQ also commented on tracking things that “keep guys in the league,” and trying to implement those going into his sixth year in the NBA. He wants to attempt at least 10 threes per game, given the way that RJ, Scottie and Brandon will attract so much attention.

He wants to bring vocal leadership to his team, and says team communication is extremely important to this group. He also wants to bring a threat to outside shooting and attract defenders so that his teammates can become open. Quickley has also worked on his conditioning this season, emphasizing defending the entire court. He spends his offseason training to be able to make reads, but also to just put the ball in the hoop in a variety of different ways.

Quickley also spoke on how great and competitive practice has been, and how deep the team is all together. He thinks this team will be great.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/raptors-t...n/48012/toronto-raptors-media-day-live-thread

 

[Toronto Raptors]

“Win for All” is more than a slogan for the Toronto Raptors

Something is brewing with the 31st edition of the Toronto Raptors.

Media Day is typically filled with cliches, canned answers, and a handful of soundbites that satiate fanatics and meme creators alike. Head Coach, Darko Rajakovic, kicked off the 2025 Raptors Media Day with the self-proclaimed team slogan.

"Not just to win games, but to win for the community, to win for this country, to win for each other, to win for the man next to you."

Darko Rajakovic says the theme of this Raptors season is going to be 'Win for All' pic.twitter.com/aMGQdN4H6a

— THE SHIFT (@theshift_sports) September 29, 2025

“We enter this season, and the motto for me is win for all. Not just win games, but win for the community, win for this country, win for each other, and win for the man next to you.”

With Masai Ujiri no longer with the team, viral quotes and inspirational messages will be harder to come by. Rajakovic, however, may have provided the quote of the season. Nobody within the Raptors’ organization — players, coach, executive — has as much pressure as Darko. In his first season, Rajakovic endured a revolving door of personnel changes, thanks to in-season trades of Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. Darko’s second season was doomed to fail from the jump. Whether it was Masai’s admission that the team was entering rebuild mode or the team’s tanking efforts, Rajakovic, again, had little expectation to produce winning basketball. Now, for the first time in his tenure as an NBA Head Coach, Darko has expectations to win!

As cliché as it may sound, ‘Win for All’ is as clear as any indicator that the Raptors are turning a corner on the ‘rebuilding’ mantra that hung over last year’s Media Day. Every single Raptor that stepped up on stage mentioned winning.

“I think our expectations for our team are definitely to be in the playoffs. Win some games in the playoffs. That’s the standard,” said Scottie Barnes. His frontcourt partner, Jakob Poeltl, also quipped, “We also knew that we didn’t want to be stuck in a rebuilding phase for a long time. We wanted to do what’s necessary to be a winning team again, as soon as possible.” Also adding his two cents on the winner’s mentality was RJ Barrett, who said, “We’re all unselfish players, and we’re trying to win. That’s really all it is. If you’re trying to win, you’ll do the right things.”

RJ’s comments are fascinating because, while the messaging has been clear about what the team wants to do, the organization has also laid the foundation for how it will be achieved: Accountability and Communication.

In addition to replacing the word “rebuild” with “win” (or other win-adjacent synonyms), everyone who spoke at Media Day referenced open communication — especially on the defensive end — as a pillar for success. Strong communication would not be possible without accountability.

No egos​

When asked about how the Raptors will play the “right way”, RJ answered with conviction, “We don’t have egos over here. Everybody wants to win. And that’s coming from me, who’s probably one of the most confident guys you’ve ever met in your life.” The proof has been in the pudding. During the second half of last season, the Raptors had a top-3 defense, despite the absence of most, if not all the projected starting lineup. Whether it was Jamal Shead forcing an 8-second violation, or Ja’Kobe Walter hitting a game-winner, or Jonathan Mogbo getting a triple-double, Darko had his squad playing selfless basketball and holding each other accountable. That mentality leaked into Summer League where the Raptors played a menacing style of defense and finished the round robin as the top seed.

“We just have players that are here with a good mindset of coming to help the team win. It’s not just about any single or individual player. I think that’s what you need. So, that way, we can have conversations with each other.” RJ added, “It’s great to be on a team where we move the ball and we play defense and we care about each other…..we’re all friends, we all hang out.”

Darko mentioned his staff working with various individuals throughout the summer. Jamal hosted several teammates in a mini camp. Raptors Social showed players at popular attractions throughout the offseason: Blue Jays game, Canada’s Wonderland, Toronto FC game. The camaraderie is palpable up and down the roster.

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A post shared by Toronto Raptors (@raptors)

Almost everyone spoke about the need to push the pace on offense, harkening back to the later years with Nick Nurse when Toronto had one of the best transition offenses. That fits the narrative of a Raptors squad that will play hyper-aggressive defense, generating fast-break opportunities from steals and quick outlets. While accountability and teamwork will be key in that respect, communication will be just as paramount. Immanuel Quickley spoke about the importance of communication, “We have to be collectively, vocally, talking to each other. It’s better for someone to say the wrong thing than for anybody to say nothing at all.”

IQ is on a mission to prove his doubters wrong. After signing a hefty (at the time) contract extension last year, he was unable to prove his worth, missing 49 games last season. With Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram orchestrating the offense, Quickley won’t be asked to play the traditional role that a Point Guard embodies. He spoke of increasing his 3-pointers from 7 attempts to 10 per game. Communication is one thing, but IQ also understands he’ll be asked to do more defensively, “The ball pressure, I’m still learning. Darko and the coaches are on me all the time…….been on a track and played all summer. So just trying to up the conditioning and just try to be in tip top shape.”

Quickley was the last player to take the podium on Media Day, and one of his last answers was relatable to the team’s outlook. When asked about books he’s currently reading, he mentioned a book called “Don’t believe everything you think.” Not much is expected from this year’s Toronto Raptors. The team only has 1 season over .500 since the pandemic ruined its chances of a repeat championship. Scottie is entering his 5th season and still doesn’t have a playoff series win, despite already being crowned the face of the franchise. Darko has no more excuses and will be expected to produce wins. Heaps of pressure will be on Brandon to help turn around the team. A lot of media and fans have their doubts about what this group can accomplish. But with a formula for success in place — being accountable and openly communicating — maybe it’s time for everyone to stop believing what they think. And maybe, just maybe, there will be plenty of wins for all this season!

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/raptors-t...is-more-than-a-slogan-for-the-toronto-raptors

 

[Toronto Raptors]

This year could be Scottie Barnes’s first ‘real’ NBA season

Scottie Barnes has a *real* year ahead of him. A real year of basketball without an injured supporting cast, a real year of leadership on a team that looks to him as a number one option, and a real year of showing the league what the Barnes-led Toronto Raptors team can do.

When asked about his experimentation on the court last season at Monday’s media day, Scottie took a pause before delivering his response.

“Experimenting… not really much experimenting, you know? I’m trying to go out there and win… It was a different situation last year.”

I believe this quote sums up Scottie’s, and thus the Toronto Raptors’, mentality for this year. Last year was last year — but the rebuild is over, and this team is now postseason or bust, with a great deal of those hopes riding on the Floridian forward’s shoulders. Scottie’s place on the Raptors is atypical for a star player, but then, the Raptors are an atypical team. While the archetype of two-way point forwards is anything but rare, Scottie’s embracement of a defensive identity for himself is notable, especially when paired with the yin to his yang, scoring-focused Brandon Ingram.

Barnes calls the Raptors a “complete roster” that is not “top-five heavy”, rather, “about thirteen, fourteen guys that can step on the floor every single night and make an impact on this team.” Going even further, the Scottie Barnes-Brandon Ingram tandem means that their top-five is not “top-one” heavy either, with two major two-way focal points rather than a central star around which the rest of the squad orbits. This makes the Raptors different from some of the recent championship-winning teams led by a single superstar like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Nikola Jokic at the lead.

Similar to the “Jays” of the 2024 Boston Celtics (Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown), the Barnes-Ingram duo are similar players who have no clear role as either the 1A or 1B. Barnes speaks highly of Ingram’s playmaking and defence, attributes which he himself is particularly known for. Both men seem to want to do it all, but understand the specific roles in which they excel, that being, in Scottie’s case, bringing defensive impact.

Barnes describes the Raptors’ defensive identity as “aggressive,” focused on actively getting blocks and steals, with his own contributions coming in at more than 2 steals per game for his entire career with the Raptors, hitting almost 3 in his All-Star 2023-24 season. That could be Barnes’ ticket to establishing himself as one of the league’s premier two-way players, a status he believes he has, but acknowledges “comes with winning”. If winning basketball for the Raptors means Scottie going back to his roots as a defensive powerhouse with the offensive skills he’s developed, that seems like a role he would be perfectly willing to play.

.Talk to ‘em @ScottBarnes561 pic.twitter.com/OgZU3whIb7

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) September 29, 2025

Will this defensive focus mean a decrease in scoring output for Barnes this year? It’s entirely possible. While the forward does not appear to be taking an intentional step back in that area, Ingram will, by team design, be taking over a sizeable part of the offensive load that Barnes once shared with his teammates. Barnes’ scoring has hovered just below the 20-point mark for the past two seasons, but a shifted focus and newly defined role as the team’s go-to defender may reduce that to around 17 points per game.

When speaking about his offensive evolution since entering the league, Scottie has pointed to his improved ball-handling and midrange scoring abilities, but also acknowledged the reality that the three-pointer is a much newer weapon in his arsenal. Over the past two years, his attempts from the perimeter have gone up, while his efficiency has fluctuated rather wildly. Whether Scottie has solidified his shot from deep remains to be seen, but with the presence of Brandon Ingram and a healthy Immanuel Quickley, it may be that the three is reduced in his shot diet in some way. The spacing for Scottie Barnes will inherently be different because of his style of play, but playing to his strengths as an interior force could mean better efficiency and a healthier Raptors offence.

Stepping into year five, Scottie is quickly becoming a Raptors veteran. “I think I’m the only one left,” he said, speaking about the roster he joined the franchise with. “For the fans that have been very passionate these four years going into my fifth year, that I’ve been here, I feel like with this team we’ve got a lot to prove and we’re hungry. We’re going to go out there each and every single night to try and bring that excitement back to Raptors’ basketball.”

That’s a promise from Scottie. And with a new mission and new teammates, I think he’ll be able to keep it.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/nba-news-basketball/48031/toronto-raptors-player-previews-nba-barnes

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Will the WNBA really experience a lockout?

It’s been a wild week in the WNBA. Of course, we are about to kick off the WNBA Finals, which will be a seven-game series for the first time. The conclusion of the second round saw the Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces clinch their spots in the Finals dramatically. Coinciding with all of this was the controversy of Cheryl Reeve’s ejection, $15,000 fine, and suspension for her comments and behaviour toward officiating staff. On Tuesday afternoon, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier opened up her exit interview with a prepared speech calling out the league for their lack of accountability and poor leadership.

Napheesa Collier’s full statement today, where she challenged Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the WNBA with directness and stunning detail we rarely hear from active players. Worth listening to every word. pic.twitter.com/IRTvTc52EA

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) September 30, 2025

She spent this time going into detail about conversations she has had with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert about the state of the league. Collier stated that Engelbert told her that “players should be on their knees thanking her” for their media rights deal, and that Caitlin Clark should “be grateful she has the WNBA” to bring her sponsorships. There was a lot more, but Collier’s point was simple: the WNBA has been negligent.

This all comes at a time when the clock is ticking on Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations between the WNBA and its players. The current CBA expires on October 31st, just 30 days from today, and there does not seem to be much progress in getting a deal signed. The players are asking for higher revenue share percentages, better treatment standards, and some regulations when it comes to expanding the season without properly taking into account the toll that it has on players. There have been vocal complaints all year about the poor officiating in the WNBA, leading to injuries. The players have also been vocal on how the increase in games per season, without extending the time frame of the season or expanding the roster sizes beyond 11-12 players, has contributed to injuries.

Injuries this season in the WNBA have been brutal. In Tuesday’s deciding game five between the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever, Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell went down with apparent muscle cramping. Her dehydration was so bad that she had to be transported to the hospital mid-game to receive IV fluids. This was after the Fever had spent an entire season seeing player after player go down with injury. All of Caitlin Clark, Syd Colson, Aari MacDonald, Sophie Cunningham, and Chloe Bibby suffered season-ending injuries before the playoffs.

Napheesa Collier herself was injured in a play during the Lynx’s game three last weekend that ended her season, the play that sparked all the noise around Reeve. Multiple players have suffered foot and knee injuries this season, too.

All of this is part of what the players are asking for in these CBA negotiations. Based on player comments, the negotiations are not going well. So, what happens if a deal isn’t reached by October 31st? How would this affect the Toronto Tempo entering the league?

If there is no deal by October 31st, there are a few options. The sides could agree on a temporary agreement or a contract extension. This means they give a little bit more time for the sides to come together and continue negotiations. This is just a short-term solution, though. If they are really struggling to solidify a deal, we head into a work stoppage situation.

There are two different ways to conduct a work stoppage, and they are basically defined by who is deciding to take action. If the players are the ones stopping work, it’s defined as a strike. If it’s the league withholding work in an attempt to get the players to agree to a deal, it’s called a lockout.

In a strike situation, league operations would continue as normal, but the players would be striking from their WNBA-related work. That means they would not enter WNBA facilities, talk or work with WNBA team staff, or participate in any WNBA-related activities. That means the league would likely still move forward with things like an expansion draft, but the players would not participate or comment on it.

In a lockout, it’s the league that is cutting off the players. In this case, the WNBA would close down team facilities, shut down league operations, prevent things like free agency signings or expansion drafts, and, if it lasts long enough, not hold a WNBA season in 2026. They are kind of the same thing, but initiated by different parties. It’s like two sides of the same coin.

In a strike situation, the league could still try to operate things, but anyone who participates in things like games, practices, and league-controlled events would be considered to be crossing the picket line.

So, will this happen? The players certainly are not afraid of it. Just because they cannot participate in the WNBA-related activities in a work stoppage does not mean they can’t play overseas, at Unrivaled, or at Athletes Unlimited. While the idea that the WNBA’s salary is only a small portion of income for players is only true for the top players in the league, every player in the WNBA has other sources of income to draw from to help them stay afloat. They can go play in one of these other leagues, but many also have gigs as broadcasters, college coaches/staff, or do other media-related jobs in the offseason. The idea of a work stoppage is ultimately more detrimental to the WNBA than it would be to the players. They are willing to hold out on the league to get what they want here.

It would be an awful time for a work stoppage from a business perspective. There is so much growth in women’s basketball and in the WNBA now, and stopping that momentum for the league would put a dent in all of that growth. The players have things to fall back on, but the league needs the players to operate. The players have all the leverage this time around, something that was not true even five years ago. The possibility of a work stoppage is more likely due to the players holding out to make sure they get what they want.

It’s been really cool to see the WNBA players speak out, like Collier did, about these issues. It’s one thing to see a labour force take action, but adding in the fact that they are a women-led labour force is incredibly inspiring. For literally all of history, it’s been a societal norm for women to make themselves small, go with the flow, and be taught to be grateful for any sort of small morsel that is given to them. Now, these women are speaking out and demanding respect, demanding what they are owed, but also demanding what they deserve. They should NOT just be grateful for what they have right now, and that’s what this entire mobilization is about.

As we enter the one-month countdown to the WNBA CBA expiration, get ready to hear a lot about the WNBA’s labour force. Don’t be surprised if we end up in a work stoppage situation.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/wnba-news/48067/wnba-lockout-strike-cba-negotiations-napheesa-collier

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Player Previews: RJ the difference maker

As the hometown kid, RJ Barrett will always have an overwhelming amount of support, but will also be subjected to higher criticism. With the last couple up and down seasons, battles with injury, and personal struggles, he’s had to overcome quite a bit over the last couple of years. If the Raptors’ media day is any indicator of his upcoming season though, he’s in a better place and high expectations are in order for the year he could have.

Getting to rest in the offseason seems to have done well for RJ Barrett, especially given the tough few years he has had on a personal level. He looks really energetic and motivated at media day, cracking jokes, smiley.

— chelsea leite (@chelsealeite) September 29, 2025

When asked about how he was feeling towards the end of last season, he said “I was tired… I think sometimes when you’re playing, like, you know, kind of year-round, you got to try to balance, like, rest”. Ending in April and getting healthy gave him the opportunity “to really focus on, you know, getting my mind and my body right. And, yeah, I was thankful for it”. He’s been back in the gym and we’ve had glimpses of him training that are encouraging signs towards the season we can expect from him.

.@RjBarrett6 has been putting in work!https://t.co/sl5Toiwn5v

— Drew Hanlen (@DrewHanlen) August 26, 2025

As a result, his excitement for the season and wanting to get back is evident in his demeanor, which is a welcome sight for everyone.

RJ Barrett is all smiles pic.twitter.com/3ndGzDSxAf

— Vivek Jacob (@vivekmjacob) September 29, 2025

So let’s take a look back on his last season in terms of what went well and what went poorly, what we can hope for from him this year, and how he’ll fit in the system with everyone healthy.

Despite playing only 58 games for the Raptors last season, he led the team in scoring with 21.1 points per game, was fourth in rebounding with 6.3 per game, and dished out 5.4 assists per game, good for 3rd on the team. He had almost 4000 possessions, second behind only Scottie, giving a sufficient sample size to examine his strengths and weaknesses for the team last year.

The good:

Although he receives criticism for his defence, when compared to other guards in the league, his defensive hustle stands out. Last season alone, he contests 2.3 long-range shots per game, ranking 19th among guards, 4.7 total contests (17th) and 2.4 deflections (42nd). Although not in the top ten, he’s being measured against 238 players, which makes him pretty respectable. Being a good defender is important to him, and he clearly said that he sees himself as a two-way player. His effort on that end was admirable, especially given some of the lineups he found himself in last year.

Even more impressive was his leadership in the clutch. Scoring 68 clutch points last season, he led the Raptors. In fact, if he was on the floor, he was responsible for more than a third of their scoring.

He showed up for the team in a lot of games, especially this 39 point performance against the Pacers:

RJ Barrett goes OFF for 39 points on 61.9 FG% in the @Raptors win! pic.twitter.com/rdt3XmYwUt

— NBA (@NBA) November 19, 2024

He continuously asserted himself by cutting, dunking, and posting up mismatches successfully for plays around the rim.

reallllll badddd mannnn RJ pic.twitter.com/AABCa1O8o4

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) February 22, 2025

The bad:

Shooting 63% from the free-throw line, especially as a guard is unacceptable. It’s hard not to see this a game-altering, especially with his aggressive driving and cutting. Being able to convert at the line is something he is expected to do, and it’s unfortunate many of his trips there came up empty.

His shooting in general took a bit of a dip last year, shooting 35% from long range and 47% from the field as a whole. Not bad numbers by any means, but more noticeable since they are dips from the previous years.

As a member of the Raptors, it makes sense that he utilized transition play frequently, with 6 possessions per game coming in that form. He was able to create 1.05 points per play, but while that seems decent, it lands him in the bottom third of production in the league. Spot up shooting he also produced less than a point per play despite doing it more than four times a game, also placing him around the bottom third of the league.

Some of that might have to do with why he fell in the NBA’s rankings this year to 100th in the league, but if anything that’s probably just helped contribute to the chip on his shoulder. “You kind of just go and just surprise everybody. And we put in the work, so we’re very confident going in”.

The reality is, despite some of those less than stellar numbers, it’s impossible to not look at the tough situation he and the other Raptors were in last season. It’s not beyond anyone that the lineups were all over the place and he often was one of the only offensive options on the court. Now, he’ll share the floor with Quickley, Barnes, Poeltl, and Ingram, all of whom will represent scoring threats. All of a sudden, RJ is under less pressure and can be an incredible third or fourth option.

He doesn’t mind either. “We’re all unselfish players and we try to win” he said. He also left us this great nugget:

“We don’t have egos over here. Everybody wants to win…I’ve been on teams where the ball doesn’t move, then nothing happens after that. Nobody cares/every man for themselves.”

– RJ Barrett

(h/t @OmerOsman200 )

pic.twitter.com/306NE77dE6

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 29, 2025

Ball movement will be the key for this roster. Scottie, BI, IQ, and RJ have all shown the ability to move the ball and find guys open. Throughout last season, one of the things that kept a lot of fans going were the highlight level plays where the ball was whizzing around the court. Drive and kicks, dump-offs, and transition passing that all created scoring opportunities were the bread and butter of the offence. With limited guys, a lot of those trips came up empty, but now with health, we can expect a lot more of that.

With great passing comes defensive miscommunications which will provide endless opportunities for RJ to do what he does best: Cut to the rack and rattle it.

RJ throws it DOWN pic.twitter.com/DuI3tZ685b

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 26, 2025

Although I don’t necessarily see him having the number of possessions that he did last year, his greatest potential will be as a cutter. With more offensive options on the floor, there will be better mismatches on opposing teams’ defences for him to take advantage of. He might not have 21 points a night again, but his scoring will be about taking advantage of opportunities that present themselves.

He’s not chasing individual goals though, he’s made it clear he’s happy to do what he can to help the team win. Despite any preseason rankings, that hasn’t stopped him or the Raptors from setting their sights high this season.

Locked in. RJ is here to win. pic.twitter.com/DxRRxPVwVx

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) September 29, 2025

As RJ said, the goal is nothing short of winning games and competing for a championship. With all things considered, the improved health, defensive identity, and mindset of everyone going in seems promising. It shouldn’t be surprising to anyone if and when he has a breakout season.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/raptors-t...9/toronto-raptors-player-previews-nba-barrett