Though his career with the Toronto Raptors has been short-lived up to this point, impending free agent Immanuel Quickley has made it clear he wants to return to the team. In his end-of-season media day appearance, the 24-year-old said he “absolutely love[s] being here in Toronto.”
“Absolutely love being here in Toronto .. . love is an action word, it’s not just a word you throw around … [you show it] and they’ve done that” — Immanuel Quickley when asked about becoming an RFA and openness to staying with the Raptors.
The impending restricted free agent joined the Raptors as part of the trade that sent OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks. Despite mostly playing as a backup in New York, the Maryland native started all 38 games he played for the Raptors this season. In those games, Quickley averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. All of these numbers are career bests. Furthermore, he shot 42.2% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc.
Toronto Raptors Free Agent Would “Love” to Return to Team
Immanuel Quickley May Be Toronto’s Point Guard of the Future
Quickley enjoyed the best stint of his career so far with the Raptors. However, he has always shown glimpses of being a regular contributor in the league. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau seemingly saw something in him as well. At the beginning of the season, Thibodeau praised Quickley’s work ethic.
“I love Quick,” Thibodeau said (h/t SNY). “Everything about him. The best part is that he’s serious. He loves the gym, he loves to play, he’s always working on something. (We) couldn’t ask for anything more.”
On the court, Quickley is a phenomenal player. He is very athletic and can score from virtually anywhere on the court. Additionally, he is an impressive offensive player and a decent defender. In January, Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday, known for his elite defense, spoke highly of Quickley’s defensive style.
“I think it’s really good,” Holiday said of Quickley’s defense. “Especially picking up full court, trying to be aggressive, trying to be a hound, and just nag people. It’s really great. Obviously, I know sometimes people see him as smaller, but I think with athleticism that they have over there it really helps them out.”
At just 24 years old, Quickley still has time to grow as a player. He has already improved over his young NBA career, and only time will tell what his ceiling looks like.
Notable Raptors Free Agents Besides Immanuel Quickley
In addition to Quickley, Toronto has other impending free agents. Most notably is probably Gary Trent Jr. Recently, Trent spoke about his upcoming free agency. While he is open to a return to Toronto, he acknowledges it is a two-way commitment. For now, there are no reports on Toronto’s possible interest in re-signing Trent. Furthermore, the Raptors have Jordan Nwora and Garrett Temple set to hit unrestricted free agency. Additionally, Bruce Brown has a team option, and Malik Williams and Jontay Porter are going to be restricted free agents this summer.
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