The 2024-25 season should be an interesting one for the Toronto Raptors, but it boils down to how fast these young players develop.
Particularly with Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett. Coming off 25 wins last year, Toronto should surpass this number, health provided.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Raptors are ready to compete for a Play-In spot. But, in a relatively weak Eastern Conference, it is not impossible.
As preseason kicks off this weekend, ESPN’s Kevin Pelton revealed his projected win total for Toronto is 33.9:
“In a bottom-heavy conference, the Raptors have a chance to reach the play-in with a below-.500 record. This projection is slightly better than Toronto’s 8-14 record in games Scottie Barnes started alongside RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley after the Raptors acquired them in the OG Anunoby, trade, which was a 30-win pace over a full season.”
Head coach Darko Rajakovic is responsible for developing this roster and aiding Barnes in becoming a franchise player. Ultimately, development is all that matters at this point and winning will come in due time.
While Toronto does not want this to be a drawn out rebuild, they remain in the early stages. Although, it should be intriguing to see a full season of this young Raptors squad.
Overall, Pelton is accurate with his projected win total. There should be an increase in wins, but it needs to be steady improvement.
This season should provide a greater sample size of Toronto’s young core and their potential.
Darko Rajakovic shares four standouts from training camp thus far
With some intriguing talent on this Raptors team, head coach Darko Rajakovic will have some tough decisions to make when it comes to the rotation.
After getting a few practices under their belt, Rajakovic named four standouts from training camp with a preseason game approaching on Oct 6.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!