The Toronto Raptors have built their identity this season around fast breaks and scoring inside the paint. That approach has helped them stay competitive, but one major weakness is starting to stand out more than ever.
They simply cannot shoot the three-pointer consistently.
The numbers make it clear. The Raptors are near the bottom of the league in both three-point percentage and attempts. While some teams struggle with efficiency but take a lot of shots, Toronto struggles with both.
What makes it worse is that they are missing wide-open shots.
Recent data shows that RJ Barrett and Jamal Shead are among the worst players in the league when it comes to hitting wide-open three-pointers. That is a serious concern because these are uncontested shots that NBA players are expected to make regularly.
This also explains how opposing teams are defending them. Instead of tightly guarding the perimeter, defenders are leaving certain Raptors players open on purpose. They are willing to take that risk because the Raptors have not proven they can punish it.
This affects the entire offense. When defenders stay back, it becomes harder for players like Barrett and Scottie Barnes to drive into the paint. The floor becomes crowded, spacing disappears, and the attack becomes predictable.
Jamal Shead’s situation is especially worrying. While he is a good passer and can create plays, his lack of shooting makes him a liability in certain situations. There have been moments where he has hit shots, but not consistently enough to earn the respect of defenders.
For a guard in today’s NBA, shooting is essential. Without it, it becomes much easier for opponents to limit your impact.
RJ Barrett’s case is slightly different. He is one of the team’s main scorers and does a lot of damage by driving to the basket. However, his three-point shooting has been inconsistent.
He takes several shots from beyond the arc every game but has struggled to convert open looks. Early signs of improvement have faded, and his shooting has dropped back to average levels.
This becomes even more of a problem when he shares the court with players who do not stretch the floor, like Jakob Poeltl. The Raptors need Barrett to be a reliable shooter, not just a player who attacks the rim.
Looking ahead to the playoffs, this weakness could become a major issue. Playoff basketball is more tactical, and teams are quick to exploit weaknesses. Opponents will likely pack the paint and force the Raptors to rely on outside shooting.
If Toronto cannot make those shots, their offense could struggle badly.
To fix this, the team needs improvement in several areas. Players must become more confident and consistent shooters, and the coaching staff may need to adjust their offensive system to create better spacing and shot opportunities.
The Raptors have strengths that make them dangerous, especially their energy and ability to score inside. But in today’s NBA, strong three-point shooting is necessary to succeed.
Right now, that is the missing piece.
If they do not fix it soon, it could cost them when it matters most.
