The national media is already writing off the Toronto Raptors.
Bleacher Report has the Raptors winning 36 games for the 2023-24 season and now ESPN has come out with the same prediction.
ESPN has released their record predictions for the Eastern Conference and have the Raptors finishing 12th with a record of 36-46.
They mention the Raptors trying to find their identity with three ball-dominant wings:
In the offseason, Toronto lost point guard Fred VanVleet in free agency and replaced him with Dennis Schroder, as the team continues to try to find an identity with three ball-dominant wings in O.G. Anunoby, Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam.
A record of 36-46 would see the Raptors miss the 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament.
It would be the Raptors second-worst finish since the 2011-12 season.
The Raptors are coming off a 41-41 2022-23 season, however the roster hasn’t improved this offseason.
They lost Fred VanVleet to the Houston Rockets during free agency for nothing and still lack overall direction.
Furthermore, other teams in the Eastern Conference are expected to take significant leaps including the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic. Two teams ESPN has occupying the last two play-in spots:
ESPN’s record predictions for the eastern conference:
1. Celtics: 55-27
2. Bucks: 54-28
3. Cavaliers: 50-32
4. 76ers: 47-35
5. Heat: 46-36
6. Knicks: 46-36
7. Hawks: 41-41
8. Nets: 39-43
9. Pacers: 38-44
10. Magic: 38-44— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 23, 2023
The East has gotten better and the Raptors will have to perform at their best to have a chance to make the NBA Play-In Tournament, let alone the NBA Playoffs.
However, the Raptors can use this as motivation. The team seems to perform at their best when they fly under the radar.
This is an opportunity for the Raptors to use the doubt as fuel for their upcoming season.
Raptors 2023-24 season expectations
The Raptors’ 2023-24 season will come down to individual player development.
If players like OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr and Scottie Barnes take a big step forward, while Pascal Siakam plays at an All-NBA level then the Raptors should win over 40 games.
However, if the Raptors don’t see eternal growth and the offence struggles then it will be a long season for them.
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