Analyst Argues 3 Toronto Raptors That Will Be Critical Figures for Team’s Future

It was tough for many Toronto fans to send OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks as he’s become a key figure to how the team runs. However, it was clear to the Raptors organization that something had to change if they were going to grow.

Thankfully, Immanuel Quickley didn’t take much time to integrate himself to the rotation. He’s become a reliable piece of the game plan with his 17.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists on 42% field goal efficiency and 40% from deep.

Scottie Barnes

Scottie Barnes continued making strides as he jumped up in production in his third year with the team. The former fourth overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft has thrived ever since Siakam left town, averaging 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists on 53% effective field goal percentage.

Eudy reiterated how important Barnes’ development as a player has been for the Raptors to decide to pull the trigger on the Siakam trade:

Scottie made statistical improvements in virtually every category this season. He is averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, free throw percentage and three-point percentage. Barnes has become the foundation Toronto will seek to build on for years to come, and he has earned his way into the highest of the untouchable ranks.

RJ Barrett

RJ Barrett is one of the headlines in the gigantic trade as his career with the New York Knicks didn’t flourish the way he might have hoped.

Aside from the fact that he hasn’t played since March 13 and went through a personal tragedy, Barrett has been playing incredible basketball for the Toronto Raptors. Through 27 games, he’s averaging a career-high 20.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on 55% on the floor and 42% from three.

It’s in Ujiri’s best interest to keep him and the other two young stars in the team to build a sustainable contender for the Raptors over the next ten years.