The Toronto Raptors may not be the first team that comes to mind when discussing the next NBA champion, but there is a compelling argument that they should not be dismissed heading into the 2026-27 season.

Toronto still has plenty to prove before anyone can seriously place the Larry O’Brien Trophy in its hands. However, the Raptors have quietly assembled several of the ingredients that have historically separated genuine contenders from teams that merely make the playoffs.

After being eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a dramatic Game 7 of the opening round last season, Toronto was left with a painful reminder of just how close it could be to making a deeper postseason run.

The important part is that the Raptors were one of only nine teams still alive in the championship race at that stage.

That alone does not guarantee anything this season, but it provides an intriguing foundation for a team that appears capable of taking another significant step.

And there are two major reasons why Toronto could potentially shock the NBA world.

Toronto’s Defense Could Become Its Championship Ticket

There is an old saying in basketball that offense sells tickets while defense wins championships.

History certainly gives that theory plenty of credibility.

A significant percentage of NBA champions over the past several decades have ranked among the league’s best defensive teams. Toronto already demonstrated that potential last season, finishing fifth in the NBA in defensive rating.

Only four teams — the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder — posted better numbers.

There is an obvious reason for optimism here.

Toronto’s defensive identity was not built around a single player carrying the entire burden. The Raptors have a collection of versatile players capable of defending different positions, switching assignments and creating problems for opposing offenses.

With the same core getting another offseason together, there is every reason to believe that defensive chemistry could improve even further.

That could become extremely important once the playoffs arrive.

The Eastern Conference is loaded with teams capable of making a run, meaning Toronto cannot afford to rely solely on scoring. In a postseason environment where possessions become increasingly valuable, having a defense capable of keeping games under control could give the Raptors a major advantage.

Their Versatility Could Cause Matchup Problems

Another reason Toronto deserves more attention is the sheer flexibility within its roster.

The Raptors have players who can operate in different roles and lineups, allowing them to adjust depending on what an opponent throws at them.

They can go smaller when necessary, increase their guard-heavy combinations or use bigger lineups without completely abandoning their identity.

Scottie Barnes is central to that versatility.

His ability to contribute in multiple areas gives Toronto an important tactical advantage because he does not have to be restricted to one traditional position or responsibility.

Players such as RJ Barrett and Ja’Kobe Walter also give the Raptors additional flexibility, while younger pieces such as Collin Murray-Boyles and Alan Graves could provide even more lineup possibilities.

That kind of adaptability can become invaluable during a playoff series.

Instead of having one rigid formula, Toronto has the potential to change its approach from game to game — or even during the same game.

The East Is Wide Open Enough for a Breakthrough

Toronto also has another factor working in its favor: the Eastern Conference has shown that teams can climb the standings quickly.

The Detroit Pistons are a perfect recent example.

After finishing as the sixth seed in 2025, Detroit surged all the way to the top of the conference the following year.

That demonstrates how quickly the hierarchy can change when a young core remains together, develops and gains valuable postseason experience.

Toronto now has an opportunity to follow a similar path.

The Raptors are not being handed anything. They still need to stay healthy, improve offensively and prove they can consistently defeat the league’s elite teams.

But writing them off before the season even begins could be a mistake.

Their defensive foundation is already impressive. Their roster possesses unusual positional flexibility. Their young core has room to improve, and last season’s playoff experience should only add to their motivation.

The Raptors won their first championship in 2019.

A second title may still seem like a distant possibility to many around the NBA, but if Toronto takes another major leap in 2026-27, the conversation could change very quickly.

The ingredients are there.

Now the Raptors have to prove they can turn potential into a championship run.