2025-26 NBA Guide- Toronto Raptors

Raptors: Rebuild Still in Progress

The Toronto Raptors entered last season continuing their rebuilding process. With a roster full of inexperienced players and several midseason changes, the team struggled to find consistency and ultimately finished near the bottom of the standings, posting a 30–52 record.

The start of the season was particularly rough. The Canadian team won only five of its first 20 games, quickly sinking to the lower ranks of the Eastern Conference. In fact, they didn’t reach the 10-win mark until January 15, nearly three months into the season.

However, the Raptors had their best stretch immediately after that. Between January 13 and February 2, Toronto won eight of ten games, marking its most promising run of the year.

Improved defense was the key reason behind the turnaround. During that late stretch, the Raptors posted the third-best defensive rating in the NBA. It turned out to be a dramatic shift from their earlier struggles when they ranked among the league’s four worst teams on that end.

The return of key injured players also played a major role. Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett all missed multiple games due to physical issues, while newly acquired star Brandon Ingram never suited up at all because of an ankle injury.

Ultimately, the Raptors finished 11th in the East. Despite the disappointing record, there were bright spots, particularly the development of young talents who could shape the team’s future. Second-year guard Gradey Dick was a standout, averaging 14.4 points and 3.6 rebounds in 29.4 minutes per game.

Quiet and Underwhelming Offseason

After acquiring Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline, the Raptors took a cautious approach during the offseason, largely staying away from major moves, which was partly due to luxury tax and apron restrictions.

The biggest transaction came in the form of an extension for Jakob Poeltl, who rejoined the franchise from San Antonio in 2023–24. He signed a four-year, $104 million contract following an impressive campaign that saw him average 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, anchoring the team on both ends.

Outside of that, Toronto’s free agency was quiet. The team signed only Sandro Mamukelashvili to a minimum deal after a low-usage stint with the Spurs, where he averaged 6.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in limited minutes.

The most intriguing addition came through the NBA Draft. With the ninth overall pick, the Raptors selected Collin Murray-Boyles, a defense-first prospect who impressed during Summer League and could earn immediate rotation minutes. In the second round, they picked Alijah Martin, an athletic guard seen as a long-term project.

Off the court, the franchise underwent a major leadership change. Longtime president Masai Ujiri, the architect of Toronto’s 2019 championship roster, stepped down after 12 years with the organization. General manager Bobby Webster, his right-hand man for nearly a decade, was promoted to take his place.

Raptors Look for Progress in 2025–26

With Brandon Ingram finally set to debut, the Raptors should be more competitive next season. However, the roster still lacks the depth and star power to make a serious leap in the Eastern Conference standings.

Given the relative parity at the bottom of the East, Toronto might contend for a play-in spot, but even that seems like an uphill battle. If they do manage to sneak in, advancing past the competition to reach the playoffs would still be a long shot.

Brandon Ingram’s Health and Impact Are Significant

In his first season actually taking the court for Toronto, Brandon Ingram is expected to become the focal point of the offense. His scoring ability and playmaking are exactly what the team lacked last year, especially with few reliable offensive creators on the roster.

Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers as the No. 2 overall pick in 2016, Ingram spent the past six seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he averaged 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, earning an All-Star selection and the Most Improved Player award in 2019–20.

He’s one of only six players in the league to have averaged at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists in each of the last four seasons. Known for his elite mid-range scoring and smooth offensive game, Ingram brings much-needed versatility to Toronto’s attack.

The big question is whether he can stay healthy. Ankle issues kept him sidelined for nearly all of last season, and he has played more than 60 games in only one of the past four years.

Offensive Growth Will Define Toronto’s Ceiling

Last season, the Raptors were one of the least efficient offenses in the NBA. They ranked 26th in offensive rating (109.6) and 22nd in points per game (110.9), while shooting a 55.3% true shooting percentage, sixth-worst in the league.

The lack of shot creation was glaring. Toronto generated the fewest field goals made off the dribble in the NBA and ranked near the bottom in isolation usage and scoring efficiency. The perimeter shooting was also poor, the Raptors made the second-fewest threes per 100 possessions (11.7).

The addition of Brandon Ingram could help address those weaknesses, providing a dependable creator and mid-range scorer. Keeping Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett healthy will also be crucial for offensive improvement.

That said, the challenge for head coach Darko Rajaković will be finding the right balance between multiple ball-dominant players, a puzzle that will determine how far this young Raptors team can go in 2025–26.