The Toronto Raptors remain suspended between short and long-term plans. They still have two players — OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam — from their championship core to keep them competitive. But a few months after making a trade (for Jakob Poeltl) for the present, they lost Fred VanVleet (the third title remnant) in free agency, getting nothing in return.
Scottie Barnes is the bridge to the future, and the speed of his development could help determine the direction that the Raptors ultimately take.
Darko Rajakovic, who’s been an assistant with the Thunder, Suns and Grizzlies over the last nine years, was hired to replace Nick Nurse.With the 13th pick in the Draft, the Raptors selected Gradey Dick, a big wing who can score on multiple levels.After VanVleet took his talents to Houston, the Raptors quickly pivoted and signed Dennis Schroder to a two-year deal with the mid-level exception.
How far can the Raptors go?
The Raptors underachieved last season, finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference and losing a home Play-In game. With a new voice in the locker room, a more disciplined defense and a break-out from Barnes, they could be back in the Nos. 5-8 range in the East. But they could also take a step backward if they feel that Anunoby or Siakam might flee next July.
One player who needs to jump
Barnes Scottie. VanVleet is replaced in the lineup by Schroder, but Barnes will likely need to step up to a more prominent playmaking role. He must also improve his shooting. Among 212 players with at least 200 attempts, his effective field goal percentage of 38.5% on outside the paint during the previous season was the second-worst. As a rookie, Barnes displayed the makings of a do-everything great, but it’s still unclear what exactly of the “everything” he will excel at.
Season-long Competition
East Group C is where the Raptors play. Here is a recap of the In-Season Tournament’s operation.
If Anunoby and Siakam don’t sign extensions beforehand, it may be another exciting summer in Toronto as they hunt for new deals. Naturally, trade rumors involving them may persist until the deadline due to their imminent free agency. It is assumed that the Raptors will not want to lose another starter, or two, without receiving anything in exchange.
The complete Toronto roster is available here.
