The Toronto Raptors head into the 2025/26 season hoping to rebound from a difficult few years. After finishing 30-52 last season and missing out on the playoffs for a third consecutive year, the franchise finds itself at a crossroads. A successful campaign won’t necessarily mean championship contention, but rather progress, purpose, and stability under a shifting front office and evolving roster.
Making the Play-In or Better
At a minimum, a good season would see the Raptors return to the postseason mix. With 10 teams per conference now qualifying for either the playoffs or play-in tournament, anything outside that bracket would be considered underwhelming.
Toronto’s roster has the pieces to contend for a 7th-10th place finish in the Eastern Conference. A record around 40-42 wins would be a step in the right direction. That benchmark would reflect growth without relying on unrealistic leaps in development.
Cohesion Among the Core
Scottie Barnes remains the franchise cornerstone after averaging 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists last season before his campaign was cut short by injury. His continued evolution, particularly in scoring efficiency and leadership, will be key. The trio of RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Brandon Ingram offers significant scoring upside, though health and chemistry must align.
Ingram’s impact was limited by injury last season, but if he stays healthy, his fit alongside Barnes and Barrett could elevate the Raptors offensively. Jakob Poeltl continues to provide rim protection and interior strength, anchoring the defence.
Roster Depth and Smart Additions
Toronto’s frontcourt depth remains a question mark. While Poeltl is solid, there’s limited veteran presence behind him. The team is reportedly eyeing options to bolster the area, especially with young project players in the ranks still years away from contributing.
The franchise’s refusal to overspend or make rash trades has kept future flexibility intact. However, smart, value-driven additions, either via trade or free agency, could help Toronto stabilize through the 82-game season grind.
Front Office Transition and Stability
The offseason saw a seismic change as longtime executive Masai Ujiri stepped down, with Bobby Webster assuming greater control of basketball operations. Maintaining internal continuity and cultural strength during this transition will be just as important as on-court victories.
Head coach Darko Rajakovic, who’s been in the post since 2023, will now have the clearest vision yet of the roster’s strengths and limitations. His system, especially defensively, must produce more consistency than it did last season.
With Tooniebet Canada odds suggesting the Raptors are expected to compete for a play-in berth, at this stage, you’d imagine Rajakovic knows exactly what needs to happen to realise that aim.
Conclusion
A good 2025/26 season for the Raptors does not require a deep playoff run. Instead, success will be measured by tangible progress, such as earning a play-in spot, developing young talent, and building cohesion among key players.
Toronto doesn’t need to be great just yet, but they do need to stop being forgettable. A season of smart steps forward, rather than another year of aimless rebuilding, would be enough to re-energise the fan base and restore confidence in the franchise’s future.
