On December 30, 2023, Immanuel Quickley took a journey north and west when he was traded to the Toronto Raptors with RJ Barrett and the 2024 second-round draft pick (via Detroit) from the New York Knicks. As part of the trade, going the other way were OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn.
This trade involved a significant shift in the Raptors’ backcourt dynamics. Quickley made a strong debut on January 1, 2024, by scoring 14 points and adding six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. The Raptors wasted no time placing him in the starting lineup. He was great.
Quickley Has Looked Strong Since His First Game with Toronto
Before Quickley’s first game with the Raptors, there were uncertainties about his injury status. However, he showed no signs of any issues. In a game against Memphis, he put up 26 points and added five assists and three rebounds. Then, in the next game, he put up a 20-point night against the Sacramento Kings.
However, the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 9, was a huge turning point. Quickley scored 21 points, five assists, and five rebounds but also solidified his position as the starting point guard. He followed up the next night with a 25-point effort against the Clippers.
His solid games have pushed Dennis Schroder to the bench. In last night’s game against the Miami Heat, he had another strong all-around game. When the dust settled, he had put up 17 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in 30 minutes – almost a triple-double.
Post-trade, Quickley’s consistency in double-digit scoring has been notable. He’s scored 10 or more points in eight of the nine games he’s played thus far. This offensive reliability, coupled with an increase in playing time from 24.0 to 31.0 minutes per game, has pushed him into a more prominent role with the Raptors than he had in New York. Thus far, he’s averaging 18.0 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds.
Quickley Has Landed Well Thus Far in Toronto
Quickley has been a slight upgrade over Schroder’s production as the starting point guard. Even better, Schroder has come off the bench and produced well. He’s added value, and the team now has two really solid point guards to lead them.
Quickley’s story thus far with the Raptors has been a story of a player who has had an immediate impact and who has taken advantage of his increased responsibilities. His consistent offensive success has been helpful for the team. As he continues to settle into his role, his performance stands as a focal point for the team’s success, promising an exciting chapter in the Raptors’ season.
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