The Toronto Raptors had a hectic day on Dec. 30.
They first conducted a blockbuster trade with the Knicks sending O.G. Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn to New York in exchange for Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and a 2024 second-round draft pick (via Detroit).
Then the Raptors did the unthinkable and lost to the Detroit Pistons as Detroit finally snapped their 28-game losing streak.
Pascal Siakam scored 25 points, Dennis Schroder chipped in with 30 points and Scottie Barnes finished with 22 points but the Raptors still suffered one of their most embarrassing loses in franchise history.
Barnes had a tough time in Detroit. He struggled with his shot going 8-20 from the field and 1-5 from three. He didn’t seem like his usual self and it may have been because of the trade that went down prior to the game.
According to The Athletic’s Eric Koreen, Barnes didn’t want to talk to the media after the game and seemed upset about the trade:
“Barnes declined to speak to the media after the game, visibly upset about the trade, even if it was done with his future in mind. Anunoby and Achiuwa were Barnes’ post-practice shooting partners, and this was the first big trade he has witnessed firsthand.”
Barnes is only in his third year in the league so this was a new experience for him losing teammates he was close with in a trade.
Per Koreen, Barnes’ teammate Siakam also seemed disappointed following the trade:
“Yeah, it sucks, it’s not easy. And I think for some people, it is the first time. I’ve seen it. I’ve seen it happen. So I understand. We got to be able to move on from it. That’s what it’s about.”
Need to embrace change
For as hard as it is Barnes needs to accept the change that has happened and move on.
He needs to embrace the new opportunity that will come with playing with his new teammates Quickley and Barrett.
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!
