Raptors Seek Resurgence After Tough Season
The Toronto Raptors are looking to rebound this season after a disappointing 30-52 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs for the third straight year. With the departure of longtime president Masai Ujiri, the team is under new leadership and hoping that the addition of a healthy Brandon Ingram can help fuel a return to competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.
Ingram Acquisition Provides Optimism
The Raptors made a bold move at the trade deadline last season, acquiring Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans. When healthy, Ingram is an All-Star caliber player who can take pressure off the team's young core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. If Ingram can stay on the court, the Raptors believe they have the talent to compete in a relatively wide-open Eastern Conference.
Weak East Provides Opportunity
With the departure of several top players and teams in the East, analysts see an opening for the Raptors to make a push back into playoff contention. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Boston Celtics remain formidable, but the middle and bottom of the conference appear more vulnerable. The Raptors will look to capitalize on this opportunity and restore themselves as a postseason threat.
TL;DR
- The Toronto Raptors are aiming to bounce back after a 30-52 season that saw them miss the playoffs for the third straight year
- The team acquired star forward Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline, providing optimism that he can help lead a resurgence
- With several top teams in the East losing key players, analysts see an opening for the Raptors to make a push back into playoff contention