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Toronto Raptors: 3 biggest strengths of the Raptors roster

By Mike Luciano

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with teammates after scoring a 3-point buzzer beater to defeat the Washington Wizards 103-101 at Amalie Arena on April 05, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with teammates after scoring a 3-point buzzer beater to defeat the Washington Wizards 103-101 at Amalie Arena on April 05, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors – Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

After years of contending for a championship, the Toronto Raptors may take a slight step backward this season, as their roster of young players will likely not have the firepower to compete with elite teams like the Nets, Bucks, or 76ers.

However, Masai Ujiri has been very open and upfront about the fact that this team is not going to tear it all down and starting tanking for high draft picks. There is enough talent on this team to make it to the postseason given the presence of Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and OG Anunoby.

The roster might not be title contender-worthy right now, but that doesn’t mean Raptors fans shouldn’t be excited about what this team can do this season. Given their unique approach to roster building and injection of young talent, this season could be extremely exciting to watch.

These are the 3 strongest aspects of the Raptors as they are currently constructed. Knowing Ujiri and this front office, he will find ways to make moves that either accentuate their strengths or eliminate their weaknesses.

These are the 3 strongest aspects of the Toronto Raptors roster.

3. Versatile big men

In a league that is getting smaller every year with the intent of shooting as many 3-pointers as possible, the Raptors are going in a slightly different direction, assembling a collection of big men that can all run the floor, rebound, defend, and score at an above-average level. They are led by one of the best in the game in Pascal Siakam.

While NBA Twitter might not always agree, Siakam’s ability to handle the ball, shoot, score with ease inside the arc, and make others better thanks to some sharp passing skills are all exemplary. With more consistency and stability this season, Siakam should return from his injury and dominate once again.

The Toronto Raptors have plenty of size to build around.

Khem Birch had his best season ever with Toronto, and he’s ready to rock in 2021 and beyond. Precious Achiuwa has athletic gifts you just can’t teach, and he is a jump shot away from becoming a force.

Want to throw OG Anunoby in there? Why not? He has been unbelievable on both ends of the floor.

The Raptors built their championship and some of the best teams in franchise history on the back of a very strong backcourt, and while Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. could become a solid facsimile of the Kyle Lowry/DeMar DeRozan duo, this team will live and die by how the frontcourt performs this season.

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