Major Toronto Raptors issue revealed and explained following Cavaliers loss

Toronto Raptors Struggling with Free Throws: A Cause for Concern

Free throw shooting, considered one of the most fundamental skills in basketball, is undergoing scrutiny for the Toronto Raptors in the 2023-24 season. Despite being an essential part of the game, the Raptors have faltered from the charity stripe, posing a significant challenge for the team.

While NBA players, in general, may not be automatic from the free-throw line, some, like Stephen Curry, Steve Nash, and Mark Price, have set the gold standard, boasting career percentages above 90%. However, the current Raptors roster has struggled to replicate such accuracy. In the ongoing season, the team has collectively shot a mere 72.7%, ranking among the lowest in the league alongside the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets.

The impact of this struggle was evident in a recent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where the Raptors shot just 69% from the free-throw line, missing nine crucial attempts. This inefficiency from the line has been a recurring issue, with the team missing at least five free throws in each of its past six games.

The struggles extend across the roster, with key players like Jakob Poeltl, Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby, and Precious Achiuwa all experiencing notable declines in free-throw percentages compared to their career averages. Even reliable shooters like Trent, who had an 83% career average heading into the season, have experienced unexpected dips, hitting only 58.6% of attempts.

Major Toronto Raptors issue revealed and explained following Cavaliers loss

Free-throw shooting has been truly foul for Raptors; that has to change ASAP

This decline in free-throw accuracy is particularly concerning for a team that already faces challenges in half-court scoring, lacking quality shooters. The Raptors, known for their aggressive play, often draw fouls, making free throws a critical aspect of their offensive strategy.

Head coach Darko Rajakovic and his coaching staff must address this issue promptly to prevent it from becoming a persistent problem throughout the season. Improving free throw shooting could significantly impact the team’s overall performance, especially in close games where every point matters. The Raptors’ potential success this season may hinge on their ability to rectify this glaring weakness.