Team By Team: Toronto Raptors

Foreword: I would just like to acknowledge, prior to shining a light on the Raptors� 21-22 season, Toronto�s previous GM and beloved NSL figure, Jesse. Jesse was pivotal in helping the NSL successfully launch as a league of its own, and always fought for the ideals of his team, his peers, and the league. A passionate figure, an unforgiving voice and an unrelenting competitive fire is how he is remembered.

Retire In Peace, wherever you at, JD! Your Raps are poised to do great things.

Season Highlight:

Torrid trading. 



As a man who loves trading, particularly adding value, the Raptors were the hottest traders in town for a stretch last season, winning five deals over the stretch and never losing value in any deal. Prior to the start of the season, and in the early weeks, they were able to amass a terrific roster and portfolio of assets. Toronto started the season with one of the best cores in the NSL � Paul George, Zion Williamson, DeMar DeRozan, Fred Vanvleet, Carmelo Anthony, Brook Lopez, Markelle Fultz, Nicolas Batum, P.J Tucker. 

That is one of the most exciting teams that never was.


Season Lowlight:

Constant injuries.

Toronto was hyped as one of the real climbers in the NSL, poised to be one of the best teams in the entire league. Jesse and the fans were vocal, excited and had high hopes for this season, with genuine belief in making the Conference Finals. However, as stated by the chipper philosopher and football coach Ted Lasso, �it�s the hope that kills you�. Sure enough, when it started to break apart, it started to fall apart. The team struggled to string together any continuity, scrounging for wins and hoping to make the playoffs and regain health. Their best player, Paul George, missed 50 games. Their second best player, Zion Williamson, missed the entire season. Brook Lopez, missed 60 games. The Raptors questionable depth also was tested, with Willey Cauley-Stein waived and a string of 10-day deals not working out.



What could have been, and almost was, turned out to be nothing more than a dream. The Raptors were easily bounced out of the first-round in a sweep. The abrupt end to a tumultuous and heavy season saw their GM resign.


Best Trade(s):

Torrid trading, indeed. As mentioned above, Jesse and his office had a highly successful year at the trade table.


Toronto acquires Zion Williamson. Milwaukee acquires Miles Bridges, Mitchell Robinson and a first-round pick.

Despite Zion not playing at all last season and being the (big) butt of jokes throughout the year, this has still aged really well for the Raptors. They have so much faith in their man Zion that he has signed a five-year extension.

The twisting knife in this situation that has skewed the success Toronto�s way is Miles Bridges assault charges. Awful stories arose about domestic violence at the hands of Bridges, and since then, he has barely been mentioned in the media and does not have a contract.

How long a year can be. This might feature in Milwaukee�s worst deals, unfortunately.

Toronto acquires DeMar DeRozan. Toronto trades Malcolm Brogdon.

I just don�t think Malcolm Brogdon is good in 2k or good at being healthy. Here, Jesse leveraged the Suns requirement to trade DeRozan into a terrific deal for Toronto. DeRozan had a fantastic season. Malcolm Brogdon continued to not be all that good at being healthy or playing efficiently.




Worst Trade:

Toronto acquires Reggie Jackson. Milwaukee acquires P.J. Tucker, first-round pick.

Reggie Jackson didn�t move the needle enough for the Raptors, with their consistent injuries and fluctuating lineups, for this move to look good in hindsight.

Notable Trades:

Toronto acquires Brook Lopez, first-round pick. Cleveland acquires Markelle Fultz.

Toronto acquires Fred Vanvleet. Dallas acquires Steven Adams, first-round pick.

Toronto acquires 85 gm points. Toronto sells a first-round pick.


Star Player:

Paul George � Toronto�s best player in their history (aside from Durant, who never played a game for them), without a doubt. In the 100+ games he played for Toronto, he averaged 33 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists a game � truly elite numbers. Last season, George couldn�t get healthy, missing 50 games. The Raptors rose and fell with George�s fluctuating health. Regardless of his limited availability, whenever he was on the court, the Raptors looked like they could beat anyone.



An admirable mention to DeMar DeRozan, who was the constant throughout the Raptors� season. In a role that was supposed to see him as arguably the best third-best player in the NSL, he was thrust into being the �man� for 2/3s of the season. The iron-man played 78 games, averaging 25/5/5.


Draft Grades:

Toronto didn�t make any picks in the draft. The Raptors regime valued winning, refined 2k vets over draft-cheddar.


What�s Next: