As the Toronto Raptors season winds down, there is a lot that transpired this season.
For an organization that needed to pick a direction, it finally happened. O.G. Anunoby and Pascal Siakam were dealt, which ushered a new era of basketball in Toronto.
With Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Ochai Agbaji and Kelly Olynyk headlining the new acquisitions, the Raptors are now building around Scottie Barnes.
However, now with a 23-39 record and Barnes sidelined indefinitely, the Play-In Tournament is likely out of reach. But, positive days are coming.
On the contrary, Zach Harper of The Athletic gave the Raptors a D+ grade for his third-quarter power rankings:
“Really disappointed in how this season has played out for the Raptors because I do like so many components on this roster. I also really like the move they made in acquiring RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. It’ll be interesting to see how Masai Ujiri handles the offseason. This team should be more successful than it has been, although that might just be growing pains with building around a young star in Scottie Barnes kind of on the fly. I have high hopes for the future, though.”
While Toronto got quality pieces in Quickley and Barrett, the first year or two when kicking off a
rebuild is rocky. A recent example is against the New Orleans Pelicans, where the Raptors got waxed.
Ugly losses are a part of the process and something Masai Ujiri and the front office have to deal with. As the draft inches closer, it is up to the scouting department to speed up the process by hitting on their picks.
Harper has a valid point. However, the Raptors having a No. 1 option in Barnes in addition to complimentary pieces around him is a step in the right direction.
Bleacher Report’s 2024 Mock Draft sees Toronto taking a guard & center
The best way to get back into the mix in the Eastern Conference is by surrounding quality young talent around Barnes.
That begins with the 2024 NBA Draft and Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman sees the Raptors taking a guard and a center.
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!
