The Toronto Raptors are still focused on the upcoming draft.
Raptors general manger Bobby Webster made it crystal clear that despite trading for Brandon Ingram, the 2025 NBA Draft is mission No. 1 for the front office.
“I think we have identified this year’s draft as particularly strong at the top, but also throughout,” Webster said. “Takes me back a little bit to the Tampa year when you start to identify Scottie [Barnes] around this time, how many difference makers do you feel like are in the draft? But no, we feel confident [about the draft]. And obviously, the lottery balls and lottery gods will determine where we end up, but that’s our job to find the players.”
Raptors general manager Bobby Webster calls the 2025 NBA Draft now mission No. 1 for the front office:
“I think we had identified this year’s draft as particularly strong… obviously the lottery balls and lottery Gods will determine where we end up.” pic.twitter.com/1HMrOX28Nb
— Libaan Osman (@libaanstar1) February 7, 2025
Following the trade deadline, the Raptors have the 5th worst record in the reverse standings. They have a 10.5 percent chance at the No. 1 pick and a 42.1 percent chance at getting into the top four.
For now, the Raptors will be in good shape to lose games. The team has traded away depth pieces in Davion Mitchell, Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk. Also, Ingram isn’t expected to return from injury any time soon. Jakob Poeltl is currently sidelined with a hip injury and RJ Barrett is still in concussion protocol. Eleven of the next 12 games for the Raptors are against playoff-esque teams. So it will be tough to find wins.
The interesting part of this is how much time Ingram will miss. He will meet with the Raptors medical staff during the team’s current road trip. That should determine a timeline for his return. At some point Ingram will see the floor. The team would want to see how he fits alongside Scottie Barnes and the rest of the core.
The Raptors final part of the season becomes a lot easier. When looking at Toronto’s final 19 games, 11 come against the Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets. These are all teams expected to be in the race for the bottom. Therefore, the Raptors will have to get creative with resting players and giving the young players a lot of playing time.
The Raptors seem to have a plan in place, now it’s all about execution.
Raptors share plan for PJ Tucker & why they didn’t trade Chris Boucher
Toronto Raptors general manager Bobby Webster also shared what’s next for PJ Tucker and why the team didn’t trade Chris Boucher.
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!
