Toronto has done quite well for themselves considering the low expectations many mainstream media outlets and analysts set for them going into the 2025-26 season. Now, unless you were checking in with the ultimate Raptors die-hard, I don't think anyone would have been bold enough to say this team was gunning closely for the Larry O-B.
At the very least, they could be a gutsy and gritty squad fighting their way into the playoffs. But even with that in mind, it was a thought that garnered very little confidence. I can recall seeing the Raptors viewed an end-of-the-standings play-in team (or barely at all), especially when looking back at those preseason ESPN predictions — not even good enough to surpass the Chicago Bulls.