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The Toronto Raptors have done an excellent job establishing an identity over the past few years. They have built a roster loaded with length and athleticism. Toronto's collection of unique players and defensive ability makes them an intimidating matchup for any team. it was a fairly impressive season for the Raptors. They turned things around after a slow start and climbed into the mix for the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Ultimately Toronto finished the regular season with a record of 48-34 and finished in 5th place in the Eastern Conference. They drew a tough matchup with the 76ers and were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs, but put up a notable fight. The 2021 season certainly showed significant signs of progress.
There is still plenty of work for the Raptors to do this offseason to build a true contending team. There have been growing whispers of OG Anunoby's unhappiness, Chris Boucher is a free agent, and Fred VanVleet is heading into the final year of his contract. Regardless, the NBA Draft must be at the forefront of the franchise's focus. The Raptors currently hold the 33rd pick in the upcoming draft. There are quite a few fringe first-round players who hold a great deal of value in this draft. Look for the Raptors to capitalize on this and add a piece to their long-term core.
Raptors' 2022 NBA Draft Needs
Shot Creating Guard
The overwhelming length of the Raptors roster is intimidating to match up with. However, there must be more additions of guys with differentiating skills. Toronto's offense is oftentimes too reliant on the shot creation of Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and OG Anunoby. In the postseason this year, VanVleet battled through injury. He missed the final two games and it was clear when he was out there that he was not 100%.
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While it was clear his value to the team, it also exposed the lack of shot creation behind Fred VanVleet. The defensive identity is in place and Toronto can afford to take guys less effective in this area. Some potential targets in the Raptors' draft range are Bryce McGowens, Patrick Baldwin Jr, and Jamaree Bouyea.
Legitimate Big Man
One of the interesting roster decisions that was made with the new-look Raptors was the absence of a big man. The obsession with switchability led them to play without a true center throughout the course of the season. Khem Birch was the lone exception to this but also was undersized for the position. As a whole, there was no player on the Raptors roster who exceeded 6'9″ last season.
There is nothing wrong with having an identity of switchable players, but the Raptors should look at adding a big man to hold as an option as well. Toronto did a great job using their advanced coverages to handle opposing big men, but it was an unnecessary disadvantage nonetheless. Christian Koloko is a perfect target in the Raptors' range of picks. Walker Kessler and John Butler are two other names to watch.
The leap forward the Raptors took last season was exciting, but they must continue to build on it. Toronto still is in need of some key pieces to fall in place before they can ascend to the true contender category. Ensuring they capitalize on each offseason opportunity is crucial and the draft. is no exception. While their absence of a first-round pick may seem discouraging, there is an exciting amount of impact players available at the tail-end of the first and start of the second round. Expect Toronto to search for their diamond in the rough and add another potential long-term piece of the puzzle.
