Podcast Summary: The Athletic NBA Daily

Episode: Are the Raptors a Playoff Team?

Date: September 26, 2025
Host: Athletic NBA Daily Host
Guest: Eric Karina (The Athletic’s Raptors beat reporter)

Overview

This episode examines a pivotal season for the Toronto Raptors, focusing on whether their current roster and off-season moves position them as a playoff team in the Eastern Conference. The conversation delves into the organization’s recent front office upheaval, the impact of key player acquisitions and contracts, rotation questions, and projections for where the team fits in an increasingly competitive East.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Front Office Shake-Up and its Impact

Timestamps: 01:54–05:45

• Major Offseason Stories:
  • Brandon Ingram acquired in a trade (still yet to debut for Toronto).
  • Masai Ujiri, longtime architect of the Raptors, was fired due to a mix of financial disagreements and ownership politics.
  • Bobby Webster is promoted to head of basketball operations, but not officially titled “president.”
• Philosophical Continuity:
  • Webster and Ujiri were closely aligned; no drastic shift in long-term vision is expected.
  • “If you want to understand the Masai Ujiri firing...It's probably a personality and a money thing.” – Eric (04:20)

2. Evaluating the Roster and Offseason Moves

Timestamps: 05:45–11:25

• Big Contracts and Roster Fit:
  • Brandon Ingram’s 3-year, $120M deal and Immanuel Quickley’s new contract put financial pressure on the organization.
  • The collective talent level is respectable, but the "top-end ability" is a concern—especially on offense.
  • “It's just a very expensive group for...a group that doesn't necessarily fit the way I'd love it to.” – Eric (07:49)
• Ingram's Fit:
  • Ingram addresses many of Scottie Barnes’ offensive limitations but could cap the team’s upside.
  • Health for both Ingram and Quickley is a major swing factor.
• Dependence on Development:
  • Raptors need young players like Grady Dick, Jacoby Walter, and others to “win on the margins” and provide value beyond their contracts.
  • “That’s a lot of pressure on a lot of these young guys to turn into real NBA players for a team that’s trying to win.” – Host (09:23)

3. Scottie Barnes as Franchise Cornerstone

Timestamps: 11:25–13:26, 22:25–23:30

• All-Around Impact:
  • Widely agreed that Barnes is currently the team's best player, especially when considering both ends of the floor.
  • “If he were on a better team...he would have got some all-defense buzz. Absolutely. And I think he’s that level of defender.” – Eric (11:43)
• Barnes’ Ceiling:
  • The perception of Barnes as a “zero-level scorer” is outdated, but his primary value comes from defense and playmaking.

4. Projected Rotation and Depth Questions

Timestamps: 14:46–21:54

• Starting Lineup (Expected):
  • Jakob Poeltl | Scottie Barnes | Brandon Ingram | RJ Barrett | Immanuel Quickley
  • “I think they'll start with the five high paid players.” – Eric (15:12)
• Bench Contributors & 'Bubble' Players:
  • Grady Dick, Jamal Shead, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ochai Agbaji, and rookie Colin Murray Boyles are expected to feature.
  • Debate around including Jacoby Walter in the rotation given his defensive prowess.
  • “Between Dick, Walter, and Agbaji, they just sort of have one too many guys at that slot.” – Eric (20:11)
• Rotation Flexibility:
  • Injuries are expected to force shuffling.
  • Organization has a pattern of slowly integrating rookies, often starting them with Raptors 905 (G League).

5. Offensive & Defensive Outlook

Timestamps: 20:01–22:25

• Shooting/Spacing Remains a Weakness:
  • “In terms of spacing and I still think that's a weakness for this team. And when we say spacing, we just essentially mean shooting.” – Eric (20:01)
• Defensive Identity:
  • Raptors’ defensive potential is one of their few certainties heading into the season.

6. Financial Pressure & Trade Candidates

Timestamps: 23:30–28:59

• Luxury Tax Squeeze:
  • The team is a few million over the tax, which is notable for a team without clear contender status.
• Likely Trade Candidates:
  • RJ Barrett: His fit and cost are questioned, especially if Ingram and Barnes emerge as primary options.
    • “RJ Barrett would seem to be the number one candidate to move if, if they decide to go that way.” – Eric (28:59)
  • Ochai Agbaji: Entering the final year of his rookie deal; expendable due to overlap with Dick/Walter.
• Barrett’s Evolution & Uncertain Future:
  • Improvement as a playmaker and offensive decision-maker, but hasn't yet shown he "impacts winning."

7. Season Outlook & Playoff Prospects

Timestamps: 29:24–35:18

• Uncertainty is the Overarching Theme:
  • Brandon Ingram hasn’t yet played a minute with this core. There is significant uncertainty about both chemistry and fit.
• Best Guess Projections:
  • Optimistic scenario: 5th–6th in the East if everything clicks.
  • Most likely scenario: 9th–10th (play-in range).
  • Downside: Could drop as low as 12th if things go south.
  • “My gut is this is a 9-10 team. Somewhere in that range.” – Eric (31:52)
• Comparisons to Eastern Conference Peers:
  • The conference is fluid with question marks (Sixers, Bulls, Celtics, etc.). How the Raptors’ pressure to compete plays out compared to other teams is a big X-factor.
• Organizational Pressure:
  • “This is not the salary structure of a team that is battling to win a play-in game...this team is being paid as if they're at least going to get some home revenue in the playoffs.” – Eric (34:37)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Masai Ujiri firing:
  “It's probably a personality and a money thing. Edward Rogers...had an issue with Masai Ujiri’s contract negotiation last time around in 2021...I don't think Masai Ujiri was about to take a $10 million pay cut and I don't think...Rogers was about to offer him a, a four year extension of the same contract.” – Eric (04:20)

• On the current roster’s ceiling:
  “Even with Ingram’s scoring, I feel like that trade put a sort of cap on what they could be. And the contracts...haven't really been of great team value. And that is...worrisome looking forward.” – Eric (08:36)

• On Scottie Barnes’ importance:
  “I still believe Scottie Barnes is the best player on this team.” – Host (22:25)

• On anticipated trade movement:
  “RJ Barrett would seem to be the number one candidate to move if, if they decide to go that way. Not a lot of teams operate like that, so then it becomes difficult.” – Eric (28:59)

• On where the Raptors will finish:
  “My gut is this is a 9-10 team. Somewhere in that range. High end, you know, five, low end, the bottom falls out and they're like, 12th or something.” – Eric (31:52)

• On organizational urgency:
  “Rubber meets the road type of season for basically everybody in the Raptors organization. We will see what happens.” – Host (35:18)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Front Office Shake-Up & Impact: 01:54–05:45
• Roster Assessment & Contracts: 05:45–11:25
• Scottie Barnes’ Role: 11:25–13:26; 22:25–23:30
• Rotation & Depth Chart: 14:46–21:54
• Financial Pressure & Trade Candidates: 23:30–28:59
• Season Outlook & Playoff Prediction: 29:24–35:18

Conclusion

The hosts agree that the Toronto Raptors find themselves at a high-pressure crossroads: expensive contracts, new personnel, and sky-high organizational expectations with a roster that still has significant questions about its offensive ceiling, health, and fit. Scottie Barnes remains central to their identity, but the fate of RJ Barrett, the effectiveness of Brandon Ingram’s addition, and the development of young talent will determine whether this version of the Raptors is headed for another play-in battle or a true playoff spot.

Overall Tone: Cautiously skeptical with a hint of optimism; both hosts acknowledge uncertainty but see potential for the Raptors to outperform expectations—with the right development, health, and some luck.