The Athletic NBA Daily Are the Raptors a Playoff Team?
Sep 26, 2025
Eric Koreen, a Toronto Raptors reporter for The Athletic, shares insights on the team's upcoming season. He digs into the recent changes in the front office, particularly how Masai Ujiri's departure may impact the roster. The discussion highlights Scottie Barnes as the focal player and explores his potential both defensively and offensively. Koreen evaluates contract issues and identifies potential trade candidates, while setting realistic expectations for a team likely to struggle for playoff contention this year.
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Front Office Change Was Money And Personality
- The Masai Ujiri departure likely came down to personality and contract/ownership friction rather than basketball philosophy alone.
- Eric Koreen believes Bobby Webster will keep the team's philosophical course largely the same in the near term.
Ingram Solves A Need But Caps Upside
- The Brandon Ingram trade addressed Scottie Barnes's half-court scoring limitations but also capped the team's upside.
- Koreen views Ingram as useful but believes the move limits the Raptors' ceiling given subsequent contracts.
Expensive Contracts Create Construction Headaches
- The Raptors now carry several expensive contracts that may not fit ideal team value, creating long-term concerns.
- Koreen flags Emmanuel Quickly and Scottie Barnes' contracts as significant financial factors for roster construction.