Welcome to our deep dive into the Toronto Raptors’ intriguing offensive strategies. Today, we’re zooming in on how small tactical choices can lead to big-picture successes-or setbacks-for the team.
In today’s NBA, having a high-scoring offense without proficient shooting is a tall order. As defenses have evolved to cover more ground and dictate ball movement, the importance of finishing possessions with a score has only grown.
Back in 2014-15, the Houston Rockets were pioneers, leading the league with 11.4 made three-pointers per game. Fast forward to the 2025-26 season, and the Raptors, while making 11.5 threes per game, find themselves ranked 25th in the league.
Despite these challenges, the Raptors have managed to position themselves as the 15th-best offense overall, and 13th in half-court situations, according to Cleaning the Glass, which smartly filters out garbage time. They’re hovering around average or below in several key offensive metrics-driving to the basket, shooting efficiency, and offensive rebounding. Their strength lies in taking care of the ball and capitalizing on handoffs, cuts, and roll-man plays.
But what happens when opponents focus on shutting down the roll man? The Raptors struggle against pick-and-roll traps, ranking near the bottom of the league.
Opposing teams often double-team Brandon Ingram, testing the Raptors’ ability to adapt. Yet, what they might overlook is the potential of RJ Barrett’s post-up game.
Barrett, while still developing his catch-and-shoot and free-throw capabilities, excels inside the arc. He’s achieving career-high efficiency with nearly 58 percent shooting inside the arc and a personal best in true shooting percentage. He ranks in the top quarter of the league in scoring efficiency from handoffs, cuts, putbacks, and post-ups.
The post-up play leverages Barrett’s physical strength, a standout attribute. Coach Darko Rajakovic has integrated Barrett’s post-up opportunities into the offense, particularly when opponents try to match him with smaller defenders. While double teams on Barrett are rare, they often lead to less favorable outcomes for defenses, as seen in some clips where Barnes capitalizes on the attention Barrett draws.
Barrett’s efficiency in post-up situations places him among elite company-think Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Anthony Edwards. Though these stars see more post-up opportunities and create more efficiently from them, Barrett’s effectiveness offers a valuable, if underutilized, option for the Raptors.
As Barrett continues to develop, his strength and craft could further enhance this aspect of his game, providing the Raptors with a potent offensive weapon. Keep an eye on this evolving dynamic as the season progresses.
Thanks for joining us in exploring the Raptors’ offensive nuances. Stay tuned for more insights!