The 2025-26 NBA campaign is officially in the books, and while the New York Knicks celebrate their championship, the other 28 teams have shifted their attention to the front office. For the Toronto Raptors, the focus is clear: building upon a successful year that saw them finish in the top five of the Eastern Conference and return to the postseason. However, as the league gears up for a busy summer of trade talk and free agency, a debate is brewing regarding Toronto’s priorities.
While the Raptors are reportedly eyeing upgrades at the center position, specifically targeting names like Mitchell Robinson and Domantas Sabonis, some argue that Toronto is ignoring the most glaring flaw in its blueprint. To reach the next level in the 2026-27 season, the Raptors might need to look at what the Detroit Pistons are doing.
The Case for a Pivot to Perimeter Offense
The Pistons, coming off a 60-win season, are clearly identifying shooting as their primary area of need. According to recent reporting from Marc Stein, Detroit is actively targeting high-level floor spacers like Kyrie Irving and Trey Murphy. It is a proactive approach to solving a problem that the Raptors share.
Both Toronto and Detroit finished the past regular season with elite, top-five defensive units. However, both teams struggled significantly when it came to offensive efficiency. The Raptors finished 21st in the league in 3-point percentage, while the Pistons weren’t far ahead at 17th.
While the Pistons are looking to bolster their roster with elite shooters to complement MVP candidate Cade Cunningham, the Raptors seem fixated on frontcourt acquisitions. While adding a rim-protector or a skilled big man would undoubtedly help, there is a legitimate concern that prioritizing size over spacing will leave the Raptors with the same offensive ceiling they faced this past year.
Building for the Future
For Toronto to avoid the stagnation that plagued their half-court offense throughout the playoffs, they need to prioritize perimeter play. Whether through the upcoming draft, strategic free-agent signings, or the trade market, the front office must find ways to add shooters who can provide the spacing necessary for their core players to thrive.
If Toronto enters the 2026-27 season with the same lack of floor spacing, they risk repeating the same struggles that hampered their offensive flow. While landing a center might be an attractive “official” target, the success of the modern NBA is increasingly built on the ability to shoot from deep.
As the offseason officially begins, the Raptors have a choice: follow the traditional route of chasing big-man upgrades, or embrace the modern priority of surrounding their stars with the perimeter threats they desperately lack.
