The Raptors will look to Scottie Barnes (left) and Pascal Siakam to lead the way in 2023-24.

The Toronto Raptors remain suspended between short and long-term plans. They still have two players — OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam — from their championship core to keep them competitive. But a few months after making a trade (for Jakob Poeltl) for the present, they lost Fred VanVleet (the third title remnant) in free agency, getting nothing in return.

Scottie Barnes is the bridge to the future, and the speed of his development could help determine the direction that the Raptors ultimately take.

What’s new?

• Darko Rajakovic, who’s been an assistant with the Thunder, Suns and Grizzlies over the last nine years, was hired to replace Nick Nurse.
• With the 13th pick in the Draft, the Raptors selected Gradey Dick, a big wing who can score on multiple levels.
• After VanVleet took his talents to Houston, the Raptors quickly pivoted and signed Dennis Schroder to a two-year deal with the mid-level exception.

How far can the Raptors go?

The Raptors underachieved last season, finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference and losing a home Play-In game. With a new voice in the locker room, a more disciplined defense and a break-out from Barnes, they could be back in the Nos. 5-8 range in the East. But they could also take a step backward if they feel that Anunoby or Siakam might flee next July.

1 player that must take a leap

Scottie Barnes. Schroder replaces VanVleet in the lineup, but Barnes will probably need to take on a larger playmaking role. He’ll also need to shoot better. His effective field goal percentage of 38.5% on shots from outside the paint last season was the second-worst mark among 212 players with at least 200 attempts. Barnes showed the potential of a do-everything star as a rookie, but it’s still not clear what of the “everything” he’s going to do well.

In-Season Tournament

The Raptors are in East Group C. Here’s a refresher on how the In-Season Tournament works.

Upcoming free agents

The Raptors have 12 potential free agents in 2024.

• Precious Achiuwa (restricted)
• OG Anunoby (player option)
• Jeff Dowtin (restricted)
• Malachi Flynn (restricted)
• Javon Freeman-Liberty (two-way player)
• Ron Harper Jr. (two-way player)
• Markquis Nowell (two-way player)
• Otto Porter Jr.
• Pascal Siakam
• Garrett Temple
• Gary Trent Jr.
• Thaddeus Young

It could be another big summer in Toronto, with Anunoby and Siakam looking for new contracts (unless they sign extensions beforehand). Of course, their impending free agency could have them in trade rumors until the deadline, with the assumption being that the Raptors won’t want to lose another starter (or two) without getting anything in return.

Toronto’s full roster can be found here.