Toronto Raptors: Biggest Questions For 2022-23

We wrap up the Atlantic Division today in our pre-camp look at the biggest questions facing each NBA team this season. 

The Toronto Raptors seemed to be surrounded by questions earlier in the offseason, when they were rumored to be possibly the most likely fit for a trade with the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant.

Now that that's off the table, it's time to focus on the team at hand. 

Big Question #1: What will become of OG Anunoby? 

His name has surfaced in trade rumors all summer. This is a new experience for the quiet and reserved forward; there's no telling how it'll affect him. There was also some talk about his happiness with his usage rates and role in the offence. 

Anunoby averaged a career-high 17.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists last season.

How Nick Nurse uses OG this season will be fascinating to watch. 

"He wants to be more a part of the offense, so I certainly can help him with that... but it's kind of a working relationship that he's got to go take some of that."

Nick Nurse spoke to OG Anunoby regarding his role on the @Raptors.@TermineRadio | @LegsESPN | #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/r3IAEoLqrk

— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 20, 2022

Also, whatever plans team president Masai Ujiri has in mind for the 6th-year player could be just as fascinating. 

Big Question #2: Who will step up for backup backcourt minutes?

The Raptors, as everyone knows by now, are loaded with 6'7" to 6'10" frontcourt athletes, long and lean with serious wingspan. But who will backup Fred VanVleet at the point, and Gary Trent at the two? This was a troublesome area for Toronto last season, and is still up in the air heading into 2022-23. 

The candidates are many—Malachi Flynn, Dalano Banton, Jeff Dowtin, Ron Harper Jr., David Johnson, and even the newly-signed former lottery pick, Josh Jackson, who can play the two in a big lineup.

Who will step up and claim all those backup minutes is still in question.

Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports