Why the Raptors should embrace tanking this season

The Toronto Raptors have faced a brutal start to their 2024-25 season, turning what began with optimism into a campaign marred by injuries, losses and defensive struggles. As the Raptors sit close bottom of the Eastern Conference with a dismal 2-6 record, it’s clear that their best option is to pivot toward a rebuild. With their young roster getting valuable minutes and the 2025 NBA Draft With top talent, the Raptors’ thoughts now could mean they reap big rewards later on.

Why the Raptors should embrace tanking this season

A season already defined by injuries

The Raptors entered this season hoping to make a playoff push, but were quickly derailed by an overwhelming wave of injuries. Key players like Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynykand rookie standout Yes’Kobe Walter has missed every game, while Immanuel Quickley went down in the season opener. RJ Barrett only recently returned, but in a cruel twist, Scottie Barnesone of their primary assets, suffered a broken orbital bone and will miss at least three weeks. These absences have left the team in a difficult position, struggling to compete against healthy teams.

Their recent loss to the Charlotte Hornets was a low point despite career performances from players such as Grady Dickcollapsed the Raptors’ defense, allowing lesser-known players such as Three Men and Cody Martin to lead the Hornets to a 138-133 win. The team’s defense, which showed promise in a narrow win over the Denver Nuggets, crumbled against Charlotte, giving up big plays to Nick Richards and others. This defeat, combined with other “bottom team” teams picking up wins around the league, is now pushing the Raptors to rethink their direction.

Raptors Tank: A New Chapter Begins

Toronto has been sitting near the bottom of the conference on average 125.0 points allowed per game, which ranks their defense among the worst in the East. One of their two wins came against a depleted Philadelphia 76ers squad Joel Embiid and Paul George. With a point difference of –5.6The Raptors don’t just lose – they lose by significant margins. That reality, paired with an upcoming stretch against teams with winning records, has made it clear that competing for a playoff spot may be unrealistic.

A program for November that includes fights against heavyweights such as Nikola Jokic, LeBron Jamesand Giannis Antetokounmpo only further cementing the bleak outlook. The Raptors could easily find themselves going 3-11 or worse over the next few weeks. Instead of hoping for a miraculous turnaround, the Raptors would be wise to embrace a tanking strategy and focus on future success.

Development over victories

The Raptors’ decision to switch to a tanking strategy allows the team to prioritize player development over winning games. Rookies like Jamal Shead, Jonathan Mogboand Jamison match is already gaining valuable experience on the field, while sophomore Dick takes on a more significant scoring role. These young players wouldn’t see as many minutes if the Raptors were focused on a playoff push. This shift not only accelerates their growth, but also helps management assess who could be a future building block for the franchise.

Allowing rookies and young players to develop while building chemistry is invaluable, and it sets a path for the Raptors to establish a stronger core for the future. Additionally, by embracing this direction, Toronto can position itself well in the 2025 NBA Draft, which includes elite prospects such as Cooper Flag, Ace Bailey, Nolan Traoreand VJ Edgecombe.

Making a potential Game-Changer

If the Raptors secure a top-five pick, they have a chance to land a franchise-changing player. The most coveted prospect, Flagg would add tremendous value to Toronto. Pairing him with Barnes could create a dynamic two-way forward duo that raises the team’s ceiling dramatically. With an infusion of young talent high up, the Raptors could go from bottom feeder to the playoffs in a matter of seasons.

This isn’t the first time the Raptors have turned to the draft to rebuild. Just a few years ago, they pivoted mid-season and used their high picks to draft Barnes. With the right moves, they can parlay another disappointing season into a successful draft and quickly rebuild around a new core.

Trading assets for future flexibility

Tanking also allows the Raptors to reassess their veteran assets. Jakob Poeltl, a stabilizing presence in the paint, could pick up valuable draft capital or young talent on the trade market. Similarly, Brown and Olynyk, who both bring veteran experience and skills, are the top trade candidates. Moving these players could help Toronto speed up the rebuild by acquiring more assets and creating more opportunities for its young roster.

Trading veterans will not only benefit the Raptors in the long term – it will also help ensure they remain competitive in the race for a high draft pick by limiting their ability to win games this season. This could give the Raptors a better chance to land a transformative player and ultimately build a brighter future.

A tank is a difficult decision, but a necessary one for the birds of prey

Historically, Toronto’s front office under Masai Ujiri has avoided refueling. But when a season turns sour, they’ve shown a willingness to change course, as they did to land Barnes. By leaning into this strategy early, Toronto can position itself as a serious contender for a top draft pick and keep pace with other rebuilding teams.

While tanking is never easy, the potential rewards can make it worthwhile. With a promising young core, an influx of talented rookies and a potential franchise player in the 2025 Draftcan the Raptors use this season to lay the groundwork for a brighter future. This painful stretch could ultimately give Toronto the competitive edge it needs to return to contention.