The Toronto Raptors have gotten off to a brutal start to the 2024-25 season, turning what started out optimistic into a season full of injuries, losses and defensive struggles. With the Raptors sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a dismal 2-6 record, it's clear that their best option is to focus on a rebuild. With their young roster receiving valuable minutes and the 2025 NBA Draft stocked with top talent, the Raptors tanking now could mean reaping big rewards down the line.

Why the Raptors should tank this season

A season that has already been marked by injuries

The Raptors began this season with hopes of advancing to the playoffs, but were quickly derailed by an overwhelming wave of injuries. Key players like Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk and rookie standout Ja'Kobe Walter have missed every game, while Immanuel Quickley went down in the season opener. RJ Barrett recently returned, but in a cruel twist, Scottie Barnes, one of their most important assets, suffered a fractured eye socket and will be out for at least three weeks. These failures have put the team in a difficult position and made it difficult to compete against healthy teams.

Their most recent loss to the Charlotte Hornets was a low point, despite players like Gradey Dick putting in career-best performances. The Raptors' defense collapsed, allowing lesser-known players like Tre Mann and Cody Martin to lead the Hornets to a 138-133 victory. The team's defense, which had shown promise in a narrow win over the Denver Nuggets, collapsed against Charlotte, leaving big plays to Nick Richards and others. This loss, coupled with the fact that other “bottom” teams in the league were able to pick up wins, is now forcing the Raptors to rethink their direction.

Raptors Tank: A new chapter begins

Toronto, which sits at the bottom of the conference, has averaged 125.0 points allowed per game, making its defense one of the worst in the East. One of their two wins came against a weakened Philadelphia 76ers squad that was missing Joel Embiid and Paul George. With a point differential of -5.6, the Raptors don't just lose – they lose by a significant margin. That reality, coupled with an upcoming matchup against teams with winning records, has made it clear that competing for a playoff spot may be unrealistic.

A November schedule that includes games against heavyweights like Nikola Jokic, LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo only further reinforces the bleak outlook. The Raptors could easily go 3-11 or worse over the next few weeks. Instead of hoping for a miraculous turnaround, the Raptors would be wise to pursue a tanking strategy and focus on future success.

Development over victories

The Raptors' decision to switch to a tanking strategy allows the team to prioritize player development over winning games. Freshmen like Jamal Shead, Jonathan Mogbo and Jamison Battle are already gaining valuable experience on the court, while second-year player Dick is taking on a more prominent role as a scorer. These young players wouldn't see as many minutes if the Raptors were focused on a playoff push. This change not only accelerates their growth, but also helps management assess who could be a future building block for the franchise.

Giving rookies and young players the opportunity to develop while building chemistry is invaluable, and it paves the way for the Raptors to build a stronger core for the future. Additionally, adopting this direction could position Toronto well in the 2025 NBA Draft, which includes elite prospects like Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, Nolan Traore and VJ Edgecombe.

Draft of a potential game-changer

If the Raptors secure a top-five pick, they have a chance to sign a franchise-changing player. The most sought-after candidate, Flagg, would add tremendous value to Toronto. Pairing him with Barnes could create a dynamic two-way forward duo that dramatically raises the team's ceiling. With an influx of top-notch young talent, the Raptors could go from bottom to playoff contender in just a few seasons.

This isn't the first time the Raptors have used the draft to rebuild. Just a few years ago, they made a mid-season move and used their high pick to sign Barnes. With the right moves, they can turn another disappointing season into a successful draft and quickly rebuild around a new core.

Trade assets for future flexibility

Tanking also allows the Raptors to reevaluate their veteran stats. Jakob Pöltl, a stabilizing presence in the industry, could bring valuable draft capital or young talent to the market. Likewise, Brown and Olynyk, who both bring veteran experience and skills, are prime trade candidates. Moving these players could help Toronto accelerate its rebuild by acquiring more assets and creating more opportunities for its young roster.

Trading veterans not only benefits the Raptors in the long run, but also helps keep them competitive in the race for a top draft pick by limiting their ability to win games this season. This could give the Raptors a better chance of acquiring a transformative player and ultimately building a brighter future.

A tank is a difficult but necessary decision for the Raptors

Historically, Toronto's front office has avoided tanking under Masai Ujiri. However, when a season goes wrong, they have shown a willingness to change course, as they did to bring in Barnes. By embracing this strategy early, Toronto can position itself as a serious contender for a top draft pick and compete with other rebuilding teams.

Although tanking is never easy, the potential rewards might make it worth it. With a promising young core, an influx of talented rookies and a potential franchise player in the 2025 draft, the Raptors can use this season to lay the foundation for a brighter future. This painful stretch could ultimately give Toronto the competitive edge it needs to compete again.