The Toronto Raptors enter their mini Christmas break 11-18 and 12th in the Eastern Conference standings.
This time of year hasn’t been jolly for the Raptors as they are coming off their worst loss of the season against the Utah Jazz.
The one thing that should be on the Raptors Christmas wish list this holiday season is direction. The team has lacked direction and as a result they have dug themselves in a hole.
Toronto has between caught in between of trying to go for it and prioritizing young players and as a result they continue to be a middling team.
Toronto must finally choose a direction and that should be rebuilding around Scottie Barnes.
Barnes has been the biggest bright spot for the Raptors this season. In his third season he is averaging 20.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.4 blocks on 49.0 percent shooting from the field and 38.3 percent shooting from deep.
Barnes has been the most consistent Raptors player and he has truly elevated his game on both ends.
Barnes is the only player this season with 40+ steals and 40+ blocks.
The Raptors need to build around Barnes properly and surround him with the right supporting cast. Barnes needs players around him who compliment his game.
Raptors need a big trade
In order for the Raptors to officially pick a direction and jumpstart their rebuild they need a big trade. That big trade is to move Pascal Siakam.
Siakam is a two-time All-Star and he is the Raptors biggest trade chip who can get them a big haul in return. Siakam is turning 30-years-old next year and doesn’t fit a rebuilding timeline. Also he is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer so the Raptors can’t afford to lose him for nothing.
Trading Siakam to a team before the deadline for a package of young players with potential and draft pick compensation should be the plan for Toronto.
If not, the Raptors will remain stuck in mediocrity.
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