Three big questions Raptors must answer heading into the 2025-26 season

Making the playoffs will be the Toronto Raptors' primary remit in the 2025-26 season. Head coach Darko Rajakovic has overseen two rebuilding years in Toronto; however, moves to add Jakob Poeltl, RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram appear to have shifted the timeline. The Raptors now boast a deep and talented roster.

However, the Raptors aren't ready to contend for a championship. Instead, the focus should be on getting some much-needed playoff experience for the roster, which in turn will continue to expedite their progress.

With that in mind, here are three questions that the Raptors will face heading into the new season. 

Can RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram find a rhythm? 

The key to any and all success in Toronto will be unlocking the partnership of Barrett, Ingram and Scottie Barnes. None of that group brings exceptional floor spacing; however, all three have high-level offensive skills. Figuring out how to get those skills to work in harmony will be one of Rajakovic's biggest tests. 

Barnes will likely continue his evolution as a multi-layered threat, having ended last season with averages of 19.3 points, 5.8 assists and 7.7 rebounds. However, Ingram's mid-range-based game will pose some adjustment issues, especially if the Raptors can't put multiple floor-spacers around them. 

Furthermore, Barrett's best role is as a slasher, which will also demand ample room for him to get downhill off the catch, thus making his overall fit questionable. 

Nevertheless, having three potentially All-Star-level contributors leading the roster isn't a bad thing. 

Will the Raptors defend their glass?

When you look at the rebound rankings last season, the Raptors finished 10th in the NBA. However, it was their work on the offensive glass (12.6 per game) that had them sitting so high. On the defensive side of the floor, Toronto was 24th in the league for defensive boards per game (32.5). 

With Poeltl, Barnes, Barrett and Ingram all on the roster, there's every reason to believe the Raptors can become a better defensive rebounding team. After all, if you can't control the glass, you're at risk of giving up extra possessions. And, more importantly, it becomes incredibly difficult to control the pace and tempo of a game. 

It's fair to assume the defensive glass will be a key area of focus heading into the new season. 

Can the Raptors' perimeter shooting take a leap?

This one ties into the point about maximizing the trio of Barrett, Ingram and Barnes. However, it's also a fair standalone observation. The Raptors finished the season with a three-point percentage of 34.8% which put them 24th in the league. They were also one of the lowest-volume teams when it comes to perimeter shots (34 attempts per game), sitting 28th. 

Immanuel Quickley and Gradey Dick are both capable of keeping defenses honest when on the court. But, in truth, the Raptors have to see some developments from others on the roster. They can't maximize the current core if opposing teams feel comfortable packing the paint, sending doubles and living with the occasional three. 

Some slight tweaks to the offense, such as more drive and kick, could help give some additional parity on the perimeter. However, it may take more than one season to find the right balance and add some more shooters.