The Toronto Raptors made a blockbuster trade when they sent O.G. Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round pick (via Detroit).
Barrett is a solid player who has a lot of room to grow. However, the intriguing piece Toronto got back was Quickley.
The 6’3″ guard has tremendous quickness and offensive firepower. His skillset resembles Philadelphia 76ers’ guard Tyrese Maxey.
Quickley was the runner-up for sixth man of the year last season. In 21 games as a starter last season for the Knicks he averaged 22.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and shot it 40.1 percent from three.
He averaged 15.0 points in 30 games off the bench this season, which was 4th most among reserves before the trade.
For as great as Quickley was in New York, he was never going to get the opportunity to shine as a starter because of Jalen Brunson.
Therefore, Quickley being traded to Toronto meant that he would have the chance to start and be the Raptors franchise point guard.
It hasn’t taken Quickley long to make his impact as a starter. Quickley was special in the Raptors win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
He finished with a team-high 26 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds on 8-18 shooting from the field and 5-8 from deep:
YEAHHHHHHH @IQ_GodSon 👌 pic.twitter.com/zEp9CVTUQh
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 4, 2024
Quickley continued to show off his three-point range in the second-half.
.@IQ_GodSon : 👌👌👌👌👌 pic.twitter.com/zlVEIOTKqa
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 4, 2024
In two games as a starter for the Raptors, Quickley is averaging 20.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists on 41.9 percent shooting from the field and 53.8 percent from three.
It’s a very small sample size but Quickley already looks comfortable in his new role. Not only has he given the Raptors a much needed boost offensively, but he has also demonstrated some nice playmaking chops and has played some good off ball defense.
Up next for Raptors
The Raptors will look to make it three wins in a row when they take on the Sacramento Kings on Jan. 5.
Quickley looks to have another standout game with his new team.
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