The Toronto Raptors are trying to embrace the tank as the Play-In Tournament looks to be out of reach.
Toronto tried to make a push for the 10th seed, but losing the season series against the Chicago Bulls made things complicated.
Currently, the Raptors are four games behind Chicago and with the easiest remaining schedule, Toronto could hypothetically make a push.
However, head coach Darko Rajakovic is making it apparent that they are not trying to win. Notably, pulling starters in the fourth quarter, like in that two game mini-series against the Orlando Magic.
That being said, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps shared that Toronto’s method of tanking is being met with pushback:
“I don’t like what Toronto is doing,” another executive said. “Trying to flip it quick is dangerous.”
Tanking is a part of today’s NBA, especially this time of year as teams begin to sense where they lie in terms of competitiveness.
For example, the Utah Jazz have been resting key players in order to lose games. Although, the NBA is beginning to crack down on healthy players getting designated as out by investigating these teams.
There is no other way around it, if a team like the Raptors wants to lose games. Either they pull starters in the fourth quarter or give them the night off.
All in all, it will be interesting to see if commissioner Adam Silver decides to take a deeper look at what the Raptors are doing. Whether it be karma, intentionally trying to lose has not seemed to work in Toronto’s favor thus far.
NBA reporter calls out Raptors for sidelining Brandon Ingram amidst tanking
One of the players that is getting extended rest is recently acquired Brandon Ingram, who has been sidelined since December with an ankle sprain.
From the Raptors perspective, there is no need to rush Ingram back as they are not trying to win. But, an NBA reporter spoke against the narrative because tanking should not keep a healthy player out.
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