The NBA Summer League often seems insignificant, a mantra that'll surely resonate with Toronto Raptors enthusiasts as they nurse their wounds from a mediocre Las Vegas stint. Despite mixed opinions on the importance of these contests for an NBA team, the Summer League has carved a niche with its rising popularity.
If you're counting down to the regular season's kickoff on October 19th and itching for your NBA fix, we've got activities to bridge the time and keep you engaged.
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In 2019, the Raptors celebrated their maiden NBA Championship and shortly after clinched their sixth division title within seven years in 2020. Yet, with two playoff misses in the last three seasons, their fans' spirits have been tested post-glory days. A recent 1-4 exit in the Summer League leaves supporters concerned about what's next. Are these fears reasonable, or will the Raptors rediscover their form? We need to explore.
Last season, a balanced 41-41 record landed the Raptors in the play-in tournament against the Chicago Bulls, where they succumbed 109-105. With an 11-point advantage by halftime and leading by nine before the final quarter, this was a game that slipped through their fingers before the Bulls surged with 37 points in the fourth.
Throughout the season, the Raptors just couldn't get past a two-game winning streak over .500. Though trailing by seven games as of February 1, they displayed a touch of resolve in spring, yet never posed a threat to the Atlantic Division's top teams, much less to the entire NBA.
The Raptors' Summer League kicked off poorly with a 83-75 loss to the Bulls, the same team that ended their 2022/23 campaign. Despite a promising 11-point lead in the first quarter, the Raptors faltered, with the Bulls dominating almost entirely by the second half.
Leading the Raptors' effort, Markquis Nowell poured in 17 points, hitting four of six from three-point range, while Moses Brown leveraged his towering 7'2\" frame for a commanding nine rebounds and five of six field goals.
Following their loss to the Bulls, the Raptors were soundly beaten 99-76 by the Cleveland Cavaliers. This offensive lull was concerning as they failed to hit the 80-point mark again, appearing noticeably flat.
The rookie Gradey Dick stood out with a team-high of 11 points, gaining recognition through his assists and rebounds. Still, the Raptors struggled to score, lacking any lead and achieving just 34.6% field goal accuracy, ending three quarters with only 50 points before adding 26 during Cleveland's relaxed final frame.
Only a minor respite for the Raptors: the Cavs dominated their Summer League fixtures, finishing unbeaten with a 6-0 record. At least the Raptors' significant loss arrived against a high-performing opponent.
Against the Detroit Pistons, the Raptors stretched their Summer League losing streak to 0-3. Yet, there was a flash of competitiveness, particularly in the second quarter, though they ultimately fell 94-90. Dick again led with 22 points, backed by RJ Nembhard’s 15-point contribution off the bench.
The second quarter blaze with 36 points was a dazzling moment but out of character with the rest of the match where they only managed 18, 19, and 17 points across the other quarters. These numbers need substantial bolstering if the upcoming season is to be anything but a grind.
The Pistons ended the league with a 4-1 mark. An eventful second quarter where the Raptors were up by 17 shouldn't have been squandered in the latter half. An initially squandered 11-point against the Bulls and the blown 17-point margin against the Pistons add to the Raptors' list of concerns.
The Raptors faced the Nets in a game split by two contrasting halves, ultimately losing 99-94 in overtime. Following a dismal 36 points in the previous game’s second half, the Raptors underperformed in a 34-point first half this time. But hope flickered for the fans as the Raptors clawed back strongly with 57 points in the second stanza, undoing a 14-point halftime lag.
Despite the disappointing overtime loss where they were outscored 8-3, the second half was a promising showcase of tenacity. Ron Harper Jr. led with 19 points, trailed by Joe Wieskamp's 18-point effort.
Even though this loss added to their Summer League tally, it showed promise. The Raptors’ spirited fightback from trailing the Nets by 17 was a refreshing sight compared to their performances against the Bulls and Pistons.
In a silver lining, the Raptors clinched their lone Summer League victory against the Golden State Warriors, 108-101. Dick once more spearheaded the squad with 21 points, while the Warriors clocked out with a 0-5 record, finishing alongside the Orlando Magic in the league's lowest tier.
While the Raptors snatched a Summer League win, it’s hard to gauge its true impact. The team's sole success came against winless Warriors, hinting that the competitive bar may not have been as high as desired.
A 40-point blitz in the fourth quarter secured the Raptors’ victory with Wieskamp leading scoring with 27 points, notwithstanding his release less than a week later.
A mark in the win column at least. Although it’s a minor advance, it's encouraging to see slight refinements in their Summer League appearances. Now, the challenge is to consolidate this progress meaningfully by October.
The 2023 NBA draft later in June gave the Raptors a chance to reboot. In selecting Gradey Dick with the 13th pick, they’ve acquired a naturally talented shooter with notable stature. Experts anticipate his potential as the premier shooter of the 2023 class.
Expected to be picked sooner by the likes of the Utah Jazz at nine or the Orlando Magic at 11, the Raptors' acquisition of Dick at 13 was their draft coup.
In 2022, Dick, crowned National Player of the Year, joined the elite ranks of Alonzo Mourning, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Dwight Howard—rare company for a young phenom. Tactical brilliance awaits discovery at the NBA level, a conundrum for Dick to untangle over the season.
Just reaching the playoffs this year would be an achievement for the Raptors as they cope with Fred VanVleet’s absence, creating space for the young hopefuls to get valuable minutes and mature.
OG Anunoby outperformed the league with a whopping 128 steals last season, marking a career zenith. The Raptors hope for a repeat in his defensive prowess. Averaging nearly 17 points, Anunoby's consistency is key with VanVleet gone.
With Nick Nurse out and Darko Rajakovic stepping up as coach, this season marks a new chapter. Rajakovic comes with a nine-year assistant coach resume at Oklahoma, Phoenix, and Memphis. Unlike Nurse, who knew Toronto from the inside as an assistant, Rajakovic lacks familiarity, suggesting a potential period of adaptation.
Pascal Siakam’s fate remains uncertain. Last season’s top scorer announced his loyalty to Toronto while the Raptors aren't hastily considering his trade. Losing both top scorers could lead to a revival of past rebuilding tactics, akin to the era when Scottie Barnes was picked fourth.
The fans find themselves in limbo as the team wavers between competing or a rebuild. At present, Raptors hover in indecision. Perhaps clarity will crystalize as the season's first half unfolds.
Presently, Toronto Raptors have +8000 odds to capture an NBA Championship this season. Wagering on them would be daring given their doubled odds since last season’s unfocused run.
Much remains to unfold before the season kicks off in October. While the Summer League showed some progressive spark, translating that into tangible regular season victories remains a question the team must address on the court.
Even the most fervent fan recognizes that this iteration of the team isn't championship-ready like in 2019. Yet, their steadfast support persists, evidenced by last season's fourth-highest attendance at Scotiabank Arena.
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Toronto Raptors: Is a disappointing Summer League performance setting the tone for the upcoming season?
The Toronto Raptors struggled with a 1-4 record in the NBA Summer League. Does this indicate trouble for the regular season, or will they recover and turn things around?
Toronto Raptors fans might downplay the importance of the NBA Summer League after the team's underwhelming performance in Las Vegas. While opinions differ on the relevance of these games, they have undeniably become a fan-favorite event.
