The Toronto Raptors are in the mud.
The team is coming off a blowout loss against the Milwaukee Bucks despite having a fully healthy team for the first time all season.
It was the first game that BBQ (Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley) all played together in since March 1, 2024.
However, this game proves that Toronto still has a long way to go in its development. Their defensive effort has been bad and the team’s lack of three-point shooting continues to be an issue. Above all else, their effort level has been concerning.
The Raptors playing poorly due to a ton of injuries is understandable. But this team looking as lifeless as they did at full strength is unacceptable.
RJ Barrett was honest about the Raptors’ performance against the Bucks. “It’s just not good enough. Tonight I don’t think think it was about us getting used to each other, Barrett said via Sports Illustrated’s Aaron Rose. “I just think we didn’t play hard enough. We didn’t have our fight tonight. That’s disappointing. It’s okay if you lose a game but you fought and you played hard and I don’t think we did that tonight. I think that’s a disappointing part about it.”
Appreciate the honesty from RJ Barrett last night pic.twitter.com/RighM2OG7T
— 𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞 (@AaronBenRose) January 7, 2025
Barrett should be applauded for taking accountability and showcasing leadership.
Yes, the Raptors are rebuilding. Yes, they likely have their eyes on the upcoming draft, but they still need to compete and build good habits.
It will be interesting to see how the team performs against the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers in back-to-back games. Two tough opponents where the Raptors are going to need their A game or else things will get even uglier for this team.
Darko Rajakovic explains going with Jamal Shead over Davion Mitchell in rotation
It appears Davion Mitchell has fallen out of the Toronto Raptors rotation.
Mitchell was a DNP-CD (did not play, coach’s decision) on Jan. 6 when the Raptors got blown out by the Milwaukee Bucks 128-104.
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