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The NBA Summer League has once again put the Toronto Raptors under the spotlight. They have a young and energized squad grabbing attention through standout performances. Fueled by impressive wins over the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic, the Raptors have generated optimism about their young core and new additions. However, as always with Summer League, the excitement can easily yield overhyped expectations that don’t always translate to the regular season. It’s crucial to balance the promising flashes with a dose of reality. Here, we explore the biggest overreactions surrounding the Raptors from the 2025 NBA Summer League.
Building with Youth and Defense
The offseason got off to an awkward start for the Raptors with the departure of team president Masai Ujiri. That resulted in minimal roster movement so far. With 16 players currently under contract, the team will need to make at least one trade or roster cut before the regular season begins.
Veteran Garrett Temple has taken on a role reminiscent of Udonis Haslem’s. He returns to the Raptors’ locker room at age 39 despite limited production last season. He averaged just 1.9 points on 30 percent shooting. He may also well be one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in the NBA. Meanwhile, Sacha Mamukelashvili, who never secured a significant role with the San Antonio Spurs, brings a much-needed shooting touch to the Raptors. That should address a clear weakness from last season.
With some uncertainty remaining about final roster cuts and the potential for one or two additional additions, the Raptors seem poised to hone their defensive identity and internal chemistry through the offseason and into the regular campaign.
Here we will look at and discuss the biggest Toronto Raptors overreactions from the 2025 NBA Summer League games.
1. AJ Lawson Is Already an NBA Star
Few players have grabbed Summer League headlines like AJ Lawson. He has delivered scoring outbursts and consistent production. That includes a 22-point, six-rebound, and four-assist performance in the dominant win over the Chicago Bulls. Lawson’s dynamic offense and overall game control have some fans and analysts prematurely crowning him as the Raptors’ rising star and key future cornerstone.
Of course, this view risks overinflating the small sample of Summer League games. Lawson’s offensive explosion came against less experienced defenses and players still adjusting to NBA speed. Sure, his talent is undeniable. However, the transition from Summer League standout to regular-season star requires sustained growth and adaptability. Insiders emphasize Lawson’s importance but caution that his role and impact will grow gradually as he refines his game at the NBA level. Elevating Lawson to star status after two Summer League outings overlooks the demanding next steps ahead.
2. Toronto’s Rookie Class Will Instantly Transform the Team
The Raptors’ rookies, led by Collin Murray-Boyles, have shown flashes of promise on offense and defense. This has sparked excitement that this young core will turn Toronto into a playoff contender rapidly. Defense-oriented center Ulrich Chomche, for instance, has been praised by teammates as an “incredible” presence and anchor. That's despite limited minutes. In addition, Jamie Battle’s guaranteed minimum contract signals confidence in the developmental pipeline.
That said, expecting rookies to immediately become major contributors is a common Summer League misconception. The season’s fast pace and roster experimentation allow youngsters to showcase strengths in ideal settings but rarely reflect the grind of NBA rotations and specialized roles. Progress will come with time and exposure, but it’s too soon to assume this rookie class will shift the team’s fortunes dramatically in Year One.
3. Raptors Will Dominate Regular Season
Toronto’s undefeated start at 2-0, combined with their strong defensive performance and team chemistry, has led some to project the Raptors as front-runners for the Summer League title and even extrapolate that success to the regular season. They were pegged as the second-most likely team to win Vegas behind Utah. Their cohesion and experience have reinforced that belief.
Yet, Summer League success rarely predicts regular-season dominance. The competition level is uneven, lineups and rotations vary widely, and defensive schemes remain basic compared to nba regular-season rigor. Sure, the Raptors’ defense is impressive in this environment. However, replicating that intensity over an 82-game season is an entirely different challenge. Furthermore, the Raptors’ regular rotation will likely look different. Some Summer League standouts will earn reduced minutes or specialized roles. The team’s youth and ongoing roster shaping also temper chances for immediate playoff breakthroughs.
Excitement Is Just the Starting Point
The Raptors’ 2025 Summer League run has provided plenty of moments to celebrate, from AJ Lawson’s offensive bursts to encouraging defensive standouts like Collin Murray-Boyles and Ulrich Chomche. However, the biggest Raptors overreactions stem from mistaking Summer League glimpses for season-long realities.
Yes, the team’s defensive mindset and youthful energy signal positive directions. That said, true progress will depend on patient development, roster decisions, and the adaptation to the NBA’s full demands. Raptors fans have every reason to be hopeful, but the regular season will ultimately determine whether this Summer League spark ignites a lasting flame.
