Toronto Raptors offseason recap, early 2026-27 season preview

The Raptors closed the regular season with a 46–36 record, landing at No. 5 in the Eastern Conference and earning a power‑ranking of 12th overall. Their net rating of +2.8 and a 6–4 finish over the last ten games suggest they were competitive but still have room to improve, especially as they head into a stronger Eastern field.

Kawhi Leonard arrives in Toronto after a productive season in which he averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 50.5 percent from the floor. His scoring ability and efficiency give the Raptors a clear focal point on offense, and paired with the contributions of forward Scottie Barnes, the team hopes to translate that talent into a deeper playoff run.

The Eastern Conference is expected to be tougher this year, so the Raptors will need Leonard’s production to mesh quickly with the existing roster. Watching how the supporting cast adapts to his style and whether the team can sustain consistency beyond the early win will be key indicators of their ability to move up from the fifth seed.