Reason No. 2: The team is still plenty talented enough to make a run
Yes, the Raptors are 13-15 but there’s a reason the NBA plays 82 games. The Raptor’s roster is still plenty talented enough to make a run and with the guidance of head coach Nick Nurse, there’s very little reason to suggest they won’t.
Scottie Barnes, the 2022 Rookie of the year, is having a lackluster year so far averaging only 14.4 ppg. However, he dropped 27 points in Toronto’s last game against the Kings and could be ready to turn the corner that many expected him to before the season.
OG Anunoby is firmly in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation and has provided 19 points per game on top of that defensive production. VanVleet will also continue to be a steady contributor along with (barring injury) superstar-level play from Siakam.
It’d be easy to make a panic move, but the Raptors could be just as wise to let the pieces simply fall as they may.