""I think we all know we are not going to attack the championship this year. It makes no sense for us to try to win every single game as much as we can and sacrifice development." Jakob Poeltl on Media Day 2024 He wasn't wrong. Toronto would go on to finish the season with an underwhelming record of 30-52. What made this record even more disappointing is that they failed to tank strategically enough to position themselves with decent lottery odds."
"With all of that behind them now, the Raptors need to set their sights on taking a big step forward. In 2024-25, the odds-makers had the Raptors' win total set at 31.5, which they went under on. Some books had them listed at 29.5 total wins, but either way, it was a lost season for this franchise. Toronto's win total this year is set at 37.5 according to the majority of sportsbooks. Some even have them as high as 39.5."
"Can the Raptors crack the 40-win mark this season? It would be the first time reaching that total in the Darko Rajakovic era. Over the last two seasons with Coach Darko at the helm, the Raptors have amassed only 55 wins ( 25 in his debut season and 30 last year). It's safe to say, with a cast of new additions and Rajakovic entering year three, expectations are set much higher as it's time to put this rebuild to the test."
Fan optimism rises across the NBA as Raptors media day nears and coaches and players reveal offseason mindsets and improvement priorities. Jakob Poeltl stated that the team would not pursue a championship last year to avoid sacrificing player development. The Raptors finished 30-52 and failed to tank strategically to secure stronger lottery odds. Oddsmakers set the 2023-24 win total at 31.5 or 29.5, and set the 2024-25 win total mostly at 37.5, with some books listing 39.5. The team seeks its first 40-win season under Coach Darko Rajakovic. Rajakovic's first two seasons produced 55 combined wins. Brandon Ingram was acquired at the deadline, and Sandro Mamukelashvili joined in the offseason, increasing expectations as the rebuild enters a critical third year.
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