Looking Ahead for the Toronto Raptors
Photo By: Rick Ostentoski
The Toronto Raptors have been sure to make the most out of the trade season this year. Since December 15th, General Manager Bobby Webster and the rest of the Raptor’s front office have signed enough players for a whole new starting five.
On December 30th, still early into the trade season, the Raptors sent OG Anunoby, Malachi Flynn, and Precious Achiuwa to the New York Knicks for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and one 2024 second-round draft pick.
Less than a week ago, on January 17th, the Raptors made their second major trade of the season. In a deal with the Indiana Pacers, the Pacers received Pascal Siakam and one 2024 second-round pick for Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, Kira Lewis Jr., one 2024 first-round pick, and one 2026 first-round pick.
As a whole, the Raptors currently sit in 12th in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 16-28. And since the trade on December 30th, the team has only gone 4-8. Many of the issues the team was trying to resolve with the trades, such as rim protection, struggles on defense and offensive inconsistency overall have yet to improve.
Photo By: Mark Blinch
So now, the question arises, did these trades help the team? Or are they going to continue to struggle going forward?
Breaking it down, both Quickley and Barrett are consistent play-makers and shooters who average 15.5 and 19.1 Points Per Game, respectively. Theoretically, this is just what Scottie Barnes needs. Teammates who can be playmakers themselves during substitutions, but also can help Barnes look to get his shot and can handle the ball. But this dynamic has yet to solidify and fall into place.
Photo By: Michael Reaves
Further, dynamic comes into play even more so since trading Siakam, an eight-year veteran of the Raptors. Siakam was an integral part of the team, and was the team’s heart and soul. He was an instrumental part of the 2019 Championship, and even got the winning bucket. But the Raptors seem to be heading in a younger direction, and with Siakam entering his 30s in April, he is just past that mark.
Many fans both wonder and hope if a little time is all the Raptors need. Chemistry is not formed overnight, and with the trade deadline still in full swing, and many teams eyeing Bruce Brown, there is a chance both the starters and bench rotation will be changing again.
With two weeks until the end of the trade deadline, it will be key to pay attention to the Raptors, and see if they use this time to gel together or continue to make moves within the trade season.
