17. Toronto Raptors
Ah, the Toronto Raptors. Or, in other words, the team that can’t seem to pick a path and stick to it. One day, they look like a team that is ready to embrace the youth movement. Then, the next, they operate as if they want to keep their veterans on the roster in an attempt to make the playoffs and compete now. Of course, the problem with that second line of thinking is that even in a best-case scenario, it’s hard to envision the Raptors keeping pace with the top of the Eastern Conference.
As currently constructed, the Raptors can’t compete in the East. They can probably make the playoffs but expecting this team to win a first-round playoff series is unfair. From an objective point of view, it’s probably in the best interest of the Raptors to cash in on their veteran assets, lean into their young players, and build around Scottie Barnes.
Clearly, the Raptors aren’t at a place where they’re ready to embrace that reality. The question we all want to know is whether that changes if they get off to a slow start or what happens if the wheels begin to fall off at some point before the NBA Trade Deadline.