By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Raptors NationRaptors Nation
  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • Videos
  • History
  • Gallery
Reading: 3 Raptors Players Who Can Take A Leap In 2023-24 Season
Aa
Raptors NationRaptors Nation
Aa
  • News
  • Rumors
  • Recap
  • History
  • Games
Search
  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • Videos
  • History
  • Gallery
Follow US
  • Advertise
Copyright 2023 Raptorsnation | All Rights Reserved | Website By Hero Landers
Home > Blog > News > 3 Raptors Players Who Can Take A Leap In 2023-24 Season
News

3 Raptors Players Who Can Take A Leap In 2023-24 Season

Luca Rosano
Last updated: 2023/08/24 at 5:14 PM
Luca Rosano
5 Min Read
Gary Trent Jr.
Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

The Toronto Raptors are banking on player development for the 2023-24 NBA season. That’s why the franchise hired head coach Darko Rajakovic on June 13.

Contents
Gary Trent Jr.OG AnunobyScottie BarnesRaptors player development

There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Raptors heading into this season, but there’s optimism for eternal growth.

Here are a few players on the Raptors who can elevate their game for the 2023-24 season.

Gary Trent Jr.

Gary Trent Jr. is coming off an up-and-down season. He was called out by former Raptors head coach Nick Nurse for his bad defensive effort and spent most of last season coming off the bench.

Trent Jr. opted into the final year of his contract with the Toronto Raptors, Sportsnet’s Michael Grange confirmed on June 20.

He saw his scoring average dip last season as he averaged 17.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

Trent Jr. should benefit from a fresh start with a new coach. If Barnes runs the point, Trent Jr. should be slated beside him as the team’s starting shooting guard.

Trent Jr. should be one of the Raptors best scorers and Rajakovic should be able to optimize his usage.

OG Anunoby

OG Anunoby is an elite defender and his offensive game continues to improve.

There’s a reason why OG Anunoby is constantly in the rumour mill.

A player like him doesn’t grow on trees. He’s one of the most underrated players in the league and Masai Ujiri is bullish on Anunoby’s potential.

Can OG Anunoby breakout as a scorer like Mikal Bridges?

The Suns limited Bridges to a 3-and-D role. After he got traded to the Nets he saw a bigger role and his scoring average soared to 26 points per game.

With Fred VanVleet now a member of the Houston Rockets, Anunoby will likely get a bigger role on offence and take a few extra shots.

OG Anunoby could be in line for a major bump and perhaps this is the year his scoring rises to 20 points per game.

Scottie Barnes

This one is an obvious one. With VanVleet’s departure, the Raptors might be ready to unleash point Scottie Barnes.

Rajakovic has already said that he wants the ball in Barnes’ hands a lot more this season and is expecting a breakout season from him:

Darko Rajakovic says on the broadcast he wants to put the ball in Scottie Barnes’ hands a lot more

“Sometimes you need to make a small step back to take a huge leap forward and we’re really hoping for Scottie to have a breakout year for us.”

— Vivek Jacob (@vivekmjacob) July 7, 2023

Barnes is an effective passer, playmaker and has a chance to be one of the better defenders in the league.

However, Barnes needs to get better as a primary ball handler and his pick-and-roll game needs work.

Another area of Barnes’ game that needs to improve is his shooting.

Barnes is shooting 47% from the field and 29% from three for his career. He needs to bump up these percentages if he wants to be an impactful point guard.

Nonetheless, the potential is there for Scottie Barnes to have a big third-year leap.

Raptors player development

It’s simple if the Raptors want to see success this season in a competitive Eastern Conference, they need certain players to take the next step.

If Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes all take leaps this season, then the Raptors will exceed all expectations.

There’s no denying that the Raptors have a lot of talent on their team. Let’s see if this is the year it all comes together for them.

Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0

You Might Also Like

Raptors News: Christian Koloko Is Out Indefinitely With Respiratory Issues

Raptors Media Day: Scottie Barnes Says His Mindset Is To Go Out There And Dominate

Raptors Media Day: O.G. Anunoby Says ‘I Love Toronto So I Want To Be Here’

Raptors Media Day: Pascal Siakam Weighs In On His Future In Toronto

Raptors Media Day: Masai Ujiri Says Team Hasn’t Talked About A Contract Extension With Pascal Siakam Yet

TAGGED: Gary Trent Jr, OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Luca Rosano August 24, 2023 August 22, 2023
By Luca Rosano
Luca Rosano is a proud graduate from the University of Guelph-Humber with a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Diploma in Journalism Print/Broadcast. Luca is a lifelong NBA and Toronto Raptors fan who has been independently creating content for years on YouTube and TikTok. He is currently the Lead Reporter and Editor for RaptorsNation.com. Outside of the NBA, Luca enjoys watching the NFL and WWE as well. Contact: luca@mediumlargela.com.
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Latest News

Raptors News: Christian Koloko Is Out Indefinitely With Respiratory Issues
News October 2, 2023
Scottie Barnes
Raptors Media Day: Scottie Barnes Says His Mindset Is To Go Out There And Dominate
News October 2, 2023
O.G. Anunoby
Raptors Media Day: O.G. Anunoby Says ‘I Love Toronto So I Want To Be Here’
News October 2, 2023
Pascal Siakam
Raptors Media Day: Pascal Siakam Weighs In On His Future In Toronto
News October 2, 2023

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

Follow Us
© 2023 Raptors Nation. All Rights Reserved.
Join Us!

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc..

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?