The Toronto Raptors have looked like a wayward team this season, but every so often their old identity shows up. A team that once prided itself on playing energetic defense night after night, there’s been a shaken confidence in 2020-21 — whether it’s due to injuries, the circumstances of playing in Tampa, or a ridiculous schedule that doesn’t allow for practice.
Personnel has something to do with it too. There were no easy answers after losing Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol for nothing in free agency, but the result was worse than expected. Alex Len didn’t last long, Chris Boucher seems better suited for the four, and Aron Baynes has been a constant source of frustration.