Is it a forgone conclusion or perhaps a season-ending stretch of four games where the Raptors can somehow regain a form that had them competing for a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference?
The pendulum clearly has swung when one considers the Raptors were playing solid basketball that saw them go 4-1 on a Western trip capped off by a 103-101 win in OKC over the defending NBA champions earlier this season.
Since that victory over the Thunder, the Raptors have played 30 games and have gone 14-16 — not exactly cause for inspiration as the playoffs loom.
Toronto begins a crucial two-game home set against the Miami Heat beginning Tuesday night sporting a 43-35 record.
The following are five questions leading into the final week of the season.
1. Why have the Raptors turned so soft?
Culture building has been the rage in pro sports when everyone knows everything hinges on winning.
For those who actually subscribe to the culture theme, consider Toronto’s anointed franchise player in Scottie Barnes is too casual when he’s on the floor.
When adversity arrives, often in the fourth quarter and more often than not against good teams, he disappears.
His body language at times is not good and he has to be better than just good this week.
2. How much blame should head coach Darko Rajakovic shoulder?
Being nice means nothing in pro sports when all that matters is wins and losses.
As best that can be gleaned, Rajakovic hasn’t held Barnes accountable.
In fact, he seems to go out of his way to coddle Barnes, insisting he’ll one day emerge as the face of the league, while singing the praises of his defence.
The Masai Ujiri apologists once waxed poetic about this year’s edition and how Ujiri hand-picked the head coach and players — where are these apologists now?
If the Raptors lose in the play-in tournament, Rajakovic must be fired and replaced by a more demanding head coach.
In addition, a loss should force the Raptors to look at every option involving Barnes as a trade chip.
3. Play-in or playoffs?
A best-of-seven opening-round series seemed a certainty a few weeks ago.
The Raptors have not been playing well and against good teams they can’t execute in the fourth quarter. Toronto’s final-quarter performance in Boston Sunday was pathetic.
One game against the New York Knicks looms, but against the Knicks, Detroit Pistons and Celtics, only once has Toronto earned a victory.
Even if they do survive the play-in, a quick one-and-done playoff series experience is more than likely.
By running the four-game table, the Raptors will be in a position to finish out of the play-in.
Even then, they must somehow finish fifth.
The chances of beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in an opening-round series are slim, but slim is better than none.
4. Can youth continue to be served?
Two of the Raptors’ best players have been rookie Collin Murray-Boyles and second-year wing Ja’Kobe Walter.
When Barnes and Brandon Ingram were clearly outplayed by Boston’s dynamic duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, which is never a good sign, it was Walter and CMB who elevated their game.
No question the Raptors have had a good season, but it is not ending well. If this slide continues, especially if they end up in the play-in and flame out, the club will need to get Walter and CMB much more involved next season.
In this scenario, some big changes will have to be initiated. Consider Immanuel Quickley’s injury and inflated salary — a contract Ujiri oversaw — Jakob Poeltl’s limitations, RJ Barrett’s contract status and one begins to understand the delicate dance GM Bobby Webster will have to navigate.
CMB and Walter are good building blocks. Right now given the roster construction, each is a complementary player.
That could all change if the Raptors don’t get their act together this week and when meaningful games are played.
5. Can this season be salvaged?
Atlanta has been playing at a high level, Charlotte has found its footing and even Philadelphia has picked up its game.
Based on recent form, the Raptors wouldn’t beat either team in a playoff series.
What needs to happen this week is for Barnes and Ingram to rediscover their games, the team to have a much-improved engagement level on the glass and a far better level of execution in the fourth quarter.
Given the Raptors’ poor showing in recent years, this season will be viewed as a step forward. And there is credence to that by simply looking at the standings.
But this edition has shown an inability to beat good teams while losing at home to Sacramento was inexcusable.
It’s very unlikely the Raptors’ soft underbelly can be corrected, but more fight must be summoned.
Again, keep in the mind the good vibes that hovered over the team when Toronto returned from that 4-1 trip. The team’s losing record since speaks to how the club has regressed.
Four games left in the regular season and four opportunities to change this narrative.
It can happen, beginning Tuesday night against a Heat team the Raptors twice defeated on Miami’s home court earlier in the season.