Bobby Webster Describes What Players Toronto Raptors Need This Offseason

The Toronto Raptors have entered the offseason after being eliminated in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals by the Cleveland Cavaliers. After a 114-102 defeat in Game 7, it’s clear that the Raptors still need to make significant strides in order to consider themselves contenders for an NBA Championship next season. While they were missing two key players to close the series, two-time All-Star Brandon Ingram and starting point guard Immanuel Quickley, Toronto had major flaws that were consistently present throughout the regular season and playoffs. 

Their greatest detriments came from the offensive end, specifically from the bench unit and in the fourth quarter, respectively. While the personnel looked good on paper going into the season, the Raptors’ ability to score when Ingram or Scottie Barnes went to the bench was pitiful (24th in NBA in bench scoring). Simultaneously, adding Quickley and RJ Barrett to the two All-Stars, there was still no clear path to consistent scoring in the fourth quarter (26th in NBA in fourth-quarter scoring). 

With these glaring issues, general manager Bobby Webster has an important offseason ahead of him. Without making any significant moves, he was able to guide the Raptors in the right direction this season with the inclusion of Ingram into the lineup and allowing head coach Darko Rajakovic to develop the young players. Next season, continued development won’t be enough to take the Raptors from being eliminated in the first round to winning the NBA Finals, so there is work to be done. 

In his final media session of the season, Webster addressed the offseason needs, along with his willingness to do whatever it takes. 

“Our philosophy here has always been getting two-way players,” said Webster. “I think I said this summer, we are in talent acquisition. We still need more better players. There will be a time where it feels like, ‘okay, this specific piece will put us over the top.’ I think this summer, whether it’s the draft, free agency, or trades, we will just be looking at the best two-way players available.” 

When some think of the term “two-way,” they think of a player’s ability to also play defense, as opposed to just being able to score. In the Raptors’ case, it’s important to find players who are able to score as well. Defense was undoubtedly the highlight of the team this season, and it was emphasized in the playoffs against two superstars, 11-time All-Star James Harden and seven-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell. 

It may even be easier to find players who are able to score naturally and develop them into an already superb Raptors defensive system. Knockdown three-point shooters, bigs with a postgame, or players who can create their own shot at any given moment; these are the types of needle-movers Webster and the Raptors need to target this offseason if they want to make another big leap in 2027.