Title: Raptors Report: Year-end play-in, draft lottery scenarios and what Gary Trent Jr.’s qualifying offer means
Date: May 7, 2021
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about the Raptors’ play-in and lottery scenarios over their final five games, as well as what might happen with Gary Trent Jr.’s qualifying offer in free agency.
Like comedian Nathan Fielder, I graduated from one of Canada’s top business schools with good grades. Instead of helping small business owners, my job right now is to help Raptors fans survive an end-of-season scenario they haven’t experienced since 2012-13. Some of you may not remember that or may not have been fans. Others probably loathe any reference to the pre-Kings trade era. In either case, I’m feeling the need to tuck you all in after each game, similar to this outlandish episode of Fielder’s “Nathan For You.”
What that means right now is reminding you what the Raptors’ lottery situation is after a tough loss.
Depending on your perspective, the last week has either been a disaster or near-perfection. Each of the team’s last six games has been fun and competitive, with notable growth being shown by some key players who will likely be with the team beyond this season. If you were hoping the Raptors can push to a play-in spot, there was optimism that if they’re ever healthy, they’re still a good team and could make some noise. The 1-5 record, though, probably hurt, as did the continued failings in the clutch. If you’re hoping for the best pick possible, a stretch of really good developmental games that result in losses is the ideal scenario.
Blake Murphy Sports Writing 