NBA GM’s think highly of Garrett Temple’s basketball IQ.
The Toronto Raptors veteran guard was voted second when looking at current players who are most likely to be a great head coach after their playing career is over. Temple received 10 votes from the 50 executives polled in John Schuhmann’s annual GM survey for NBA.com.
Only San Antonio Spurs point guard Chris Paul received more votes. Mike Conley of the Minnesota Timberwolves was voted third and T.J. McConnell along with former Raptor Fred VanVleet were tied for fourth. Raptors legend Kyle Lowry also received some votes but he did not make the top five.
Temple has looked the part of an assistant coach for the Raptors. He’s been a mentor for the Raptors’ young players and has been vocal from the bench during games. One of the players Temple has helped a lot is Scottie Barnes.
“Just being around Garrett Temple a lot. He has so many leader qualities that he has to him, and that guy is probably going to be a coach one day. So just listen to him talk, it’s amazing. He always says the right things,” Barnes said of Temple at training camp.
Temple played in 27 games for the Raptors last season. He started in 2 of them, while he averaged 3.3 points per game.
Temple agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Raptors this offseason. Temple has been in the NBA for 14 years and has played with 12 different teams. He is also the NBPA vice president.
Scottie Barnes will make preseason debut against Wizards
Scottie Barnes hasn’t suited up for the Toronto Raptors since March 1 after suffering a season-ending hand injury.
However, the 23-year-old is expected to make his long awaited return to the court on Oct. 11 in Washington against the Wizards.
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