Raptors Notes: Rookies, Rebuild, Offseason

Raptors rookies Jamal Shead, Ja’Kobe Walter, Jonathan Mogbo and Jamison Battle may not have made anyone’s Rookie of the Year ballots this season, but the young charges have impressed Toronto decision-makers enough that they may have expedited the club’s rebuild, writes Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca.

Despite a lackluster 30-win season, Grange notes that the youngsters’ upside gives fans and pundits plenty of reason for optimism next year. And Toronto’s young core appears committed to improving over the summer.

“It’s not about what I want to work on,” Shead said. “I think for this team to be good, (the coaching staff is) going to give me the things that (they) would want to see out of me next year, especially to help us win… I think that’s the biggest thing for me. It’s not about what I will work on. It’s about what helps this team.”

There’s more out of Toronto:

• The Raptors have an intriguing offseason ahead of them, writes Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron (Substack link). Gozlan indicates that the team will face three major summer decisions: whether or not to extend Ochai Agbaji, what RJ Barrett‘s future holds, and what to do at the center position. The Raptors will possess a lottery pick in this year’s draft and have a 7.5% chance at the No. 1 overall pick.
• In another comprehensive preview of the Raptors’ 2025 offseason, Keith Smith of Spotrac writes that that the club’s midseason acquisition of Brandon Ingram could pay off next year and opines that a healthier run in 2025/26 could pave the way for at least a playoff berth. That wouldn’t take much in the East, Smith notes, adding that – with plenty of intriguing young players – Toronto could get involved in the bidding for one of the several All-Stars who may become available by trade. Possible star trade candidates this summer include forwards Kevin Durant, Zion Williamson, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.