Toronto Raptors between what-ifs and the future: is the “Rajakovic system” sustainable?

The Toronto Raptors exit with honor after a series and a Game 7 that, at least in part, will always carry the asterisk of what if.

Make no mistake: the superiority of the Cleveland Cavaliers was not only about experience, but also talent and overall quality. Still, the prolonged absence of Immanuel Quickley, along with the loss of Brandon Ingram in the final two games, deprived Toronto of its main table-setter and its best shot creator off the dribble.

With no way to know what might have happened, all that remains are the questions – and the encouraging signs produced during the regular season and the first round.

Clear hierarchy, but many key contributors

By shooting over 50% from the field for the first time in his career, Scottie Barnes confirmed his status as the leading figure of the post-Kawhi Leonard era. The Florida State product is now a more mature offensive focal point, capable of making the right read for the team on most possessions, while his defensive tools remain elite.

Toronto, however, continues to thrive through collective basketball, as shown in the overtime of Game 6 – a symbol of shared responsibility that also featured RJ Barrett and rookie Collin Murray-Boyles.

Obviously this loss hurts, but I also think it shows the rest of the league, the rest of the world, what we’re building here, and that when you see the Toronto Raptors, you should expect a dogfight

RJ Barrett

Did Jakob Poeltl really needed to be locked?

After the best season of his career, the front office committed to Jakob Poeltl in the summer of 2025 with a $104 million extension through 2030.

Despite some strong playoff performances, the Austrian center did not always look fully integrated into coach Rajakovic’s system, and his offensive impact remains limited. The idea of meaningful growth as a mid-range shooter appears unrealistic.

The future of the project may also depend on difficult decisions, especially regarding the rise of Murray-Boyles and the not-always-smooth fit with Ingram.

Can you win with the Raptors system?

The Raptors’ style of basketball remains difficult to define. With Poeltl often off the floor, Toronto alternates lineups without a traditional center and maintains a very low three-point volume – a clear contrast with the modern NBA.

This is not classic small-ball: Rajakovic’s system instead focuses on total player involvement, shared responsibilities, and balanced scoring.

In fact, during the regular season, only Brandon Ingram averaged more than 20 points per game.

Can this be the path to competing at the highest level? After returning to the playoffs, the Raptors will now try to turn an evolving idea into a winning long-term project.