"Far too often, a large section of NBA media underestimates the Toronto Raptors. It happens year after year. Heading into this season, many predictions have Toronto penciled into the play-in tournament and some have them falling as far as the 12th seed. Even best case scenario predictions have Toronto competing for the 6th seed if everything broke perfectly in their favour."
"The same reasons are given over and over: Toronto is slated to have the 12th-highest payroll this season, and yet the starting lineup hasn't played a single minute together. A lack of shooting could render this team ineffective in the half court, and the starting lineup has far too many players that operate in the same areas of the court."
Many predictions have Toronto penciled into the play-in tournament or as low as the 12th seed, with best-case forecasts placing them around the sixth seed. Criticisms focus on the 12th-highest payroll, a starting lineup that has never played together, limited shooting, and overlapping player roles on the court. The roster is deeper and healthier than last year, bolstered by All-Star addition Brandon Ingram and year-over-year development from young players. The result should reduce burdens on overtasked players, show positive strides on offense and defense despite previous development-focused seasons, and create a genuine opportunity for a major jump.
Read at Raptors Republic
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