Strategies the Toronto Raptors Should Consider for the 2025-26 NBA Season

The Toronto Raptors are entering a crucial phase in their rebuild, and to be competitive in the 2025–26 NBA season, they need to make several key adjustments across roster construction, player development, and coaching. Here’s a breakdown of what they need to do:

1. Define Roles in the Ingram-Barnes Duo

Scottie Barnes: Should continue as the primary initiator in transition and late clock sets. Use him as a point forward, especially when surrounded by shooters.

Brandon Ingram: Operate as the primary scorer, especially in the half court — focus on iso, PnR midrange, and mismatch hunting.

Key Point: They must stagger their minutes slightly so one is always on the floor with shooters and a screen-setting big. This avoids redundancy.

2. Prioritize Elite Shooting in Supporting Cast

You must surround this duo with:

• One elite shooter in the backcourt — ideally a guard who can defend and spot up (like a Gary Trent Jr. archetype, but more consistent).

• A stretch big to unclog the paint — someone like Myles Turner, Naz Reid, or a draftable big with range.

• Gradey Dick’s development becomes essential — he could be the Raptors’ Kevin Huerter-type weapon if he improves defensively.

3. Find a Point Guard Who Complements, Not Competes

The ideal PG:

• Doesn’t dominate the ball

• Can defend both guard spots

• Hits open threes

• Plays with pace

Examples (if available): Tyus Jones, Monte Morris, Davion Mitchell (buy low), or even develop a rookie if the Raptors keep their pick.

If they still have Immanuel Quickley, he fits well — but must improve consistency and decision-making in big minutes.

4. Invest in a Modern Center

Poeltl is a solid player, but his lack of spacing is problematic with Barnes and Ingram both attacking the paint.

Options:

• Develop a mobile, floor-spacing big through the draft

• Explore trades for more modern centers

• Use Poeltl situationally (vs. big teams) but find a “Plan A” with shooting and rim protection

5. Establish Identity: Size + Skill + Versatility

This team should lean into:

• Switchable defenders 1–4

• A fast-paced, ball-movement-heavy offense

• Emphasis on mismatch creation through Ingram & Barnes

They now resemble the Pacers or Kings model more than the old grind-it-out Raptors — lean into pace, playmaking, and offensive creativity.

Summary: Raptors 2025–26 Blueprint

• Core: Barnes, Ingram, Dick, Quickley (tentatively)

• Add: Shooting guard or PG who defends + stretches floor

• Move or reduce reliance on: Poeltl unless spacing improves

• Develop: Dick + a floor-spacing big through draft or FA

• Playstyle: Fast, creative offense with switchable D