Veteran center Jakob Poeltl stated that the Toronto Raptors do not have high expectations for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
During Raptors Media Day, he acknowledged that the team is not positioned to compete for a championship this year.
“I think we all know we’re not going to go and attack the championship this year. It makes no sense for us to try to win every single game as much as we can and sacrifice development,” Poeltl said.
While some may be upset by Poeltl’s remarks, his statement reflects the Raptors’ current reality.
The team has openly communicated its commitment to rebuilding and prioritizing player development in the coming season.
Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri officially announced on Monday that the franchise will enter a rebuilding season.
“I would use the word rebuilding. That’s the right word,” Ujiri told reporters at the team’s media day. “We have a clear path going forward. Young team. Growing team. I think everybody sees that loud and clear.”
He emphasized that upcoming drafts will be crucial for the Raptors as they lay the foundation for their rebuilding efforts.
“The draft is a way for us to build teams and to acquire players, especially in a market like our market,” Ujiri said.
Ujiri further stated that this is Scottie Barnes’ team and that the franchise will focus their rebuilding efforts around him.
“We want to build this team around Scottie (Barnes), who is 23 years old. You play to win. But it is a rebuilding year,” he said. “In sports, you always want to be competitive and you play to win. But it is a rebuilding team and everybody sees that, loud and clear.”
The Raptors will open their season at home in Scotiabank Arena against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 23rd.
NBA 
