The Raptors have struggled lately, losing 13 of their past 20 games. Eric Koreen of The Athletic says there’s plenty of blame to go around for the team’s poor performance this season, and while injuries have certainly taken a toll, Toronto has been “uninspiring and predictable” on both ends of the court.
Quite simply, the Raptors do not fit, Koreen argues, noting that “developmental progress has stalled” in multiple areas. That’s on the front office for putting the team together, Nick Nurse and his coaching staff for not making the most of the available talent, and the players for not performing at a high level, according to Koreen.
After going 48-34 last season and claiming the East’s No. 5 seed, the Raptors have fallen to 16-20 thus far in 2022/23. Toronto’s defensive rating has dropped from ninth to 17th, and the team’s effort has been called into question multiple times.
Here’s more from the Atlantic:
- The Nets started the season 2-5, but have gone 21-7 under head coach Jacque Vaughn after parting ways with Steve Nash. How has Vaughn guided such a dramatic turnaround? Brian Lewis of The New York Post has the details, including quotes from Vaughn and several players.
- Evan Fournier saw his first playing time since November 13 in the Knicks‘ loss to the Spurs on Thursday, scoring 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting in 17 minutes, writes Peter Botte of The New York Post. The veteran wing says it wasn’t easy to be a healthy scratch for so long. “I’ve just tried to stay present this whole time. It was a lot easier to play than to actually sit on the bench and watch the guys play,” Fournier said. “Basically, the way I treated it when I first got benched, was just to stay ready. … Today I felt like I needed to be ready, just in case.” Fournier was reinserted into the rotation due to injuries to RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson.
- Immanuel Quickley recorded a career-high 15 assists on Tuesday and a career-high 36 points on Thursday, but those achievements don’t mean much to the third-year guard, according to Botte. “I mean, we lost both games. So career high or not, it kind of sucks. It don’t really matter because we lost,” Quickley said. “I’d rather win. Everybody looks for opportunities to come in and try to prove themselves. Whether I play 50 minutes or whether I play 25, I try to do my job, try to come out and play hard each and every game and be aggressive and just do my job. But you want to see those turn into wins, and we’re gonna get that done.”
Biggest thing the raptors lack is a go to really elite scorer. FVV is undersized and has been extremely inefficient this season, Barnes isn’t a score first guy and Siakim has had to play the role of number 1 scoring option but it’s not like he has this huge bag of moves and is a prolific shooter.
Think in the past Kawhi was the number 1 option and Siakim and Fred were really good 2 and 3’s.
OG is good offensively but he’s way more defensive minded than offensive and GTJ ain’t that guy.
When I suggested traded in the previous raptors fees people were quick to say they would be giving up the better player (OG) for someone not as good. Well that might’ve been the case, right now they have 5 really good players in FVV GTJ Barnes Siakim and OG but it’s not gotten them any results. Someone is going to have to go possibly even two guys and more often then not when your in a position of needing to trade your going to have to except the player you get back might not be as good. That’s why you need to consider fit.
Zach LaVine was 1 suggestion and yes OG might be better than him but he would fit the role of go to scorer or number 1 option. He’s a natural give the ball to me I’m going to score guy. He has the handle, he can shoot from outside, he can finish at the rim, his athleticism in almost unmatched.
Yes he suck’s defensively but you have defensive minded players in Barnes and Siakim and a defensive minded coach that would help him improve.
Another suggestion was DD and Vuve. Lakers reportedly offered scoring money (Russ) and 2 firsts. I’m sure if they are thinking rebuild they rather OG and bits. In which case DD is that go to scorer and a leader. Vuce would also be a solid scoring threat and help fill that 5 spot which has been problematic.
Lastly Buddy Heild and Myles Turner. OG is better than both these guys but in terms of fit Turner is a lot better. Turner fills that 5 spot, is an elite rim protector and can also space the floor on offence. OG kinda clashes as the 3rd forward with Barnes and Siakim and they lack a true centre. Buddy Heild also is an elite three point shooter and would thrive playing on a team which moves the ball as well as the raptors do. Having these two guys doesn’t give them the go to scorer but that could be a good thing. They space the floor and allow Scottie to play a Ben Simmons role with alot of drive and kick movement. Sikaim and FVV are also good passes and would space the floor and not demand touches allowing them to get inside and pass out at a better clip.
I’d say the DD and Vuce deal would be hugely unlikely considering DeMares history but Zach could be a option if he’s made available and Turner/Heild should definitely be something they look at
Buddy is for sure getting traded.
Not sure about Turner.
Why so side?
Sure*
Turner looks now like he is staying in Indy. They are in the playoffs as of today. Trade Market looks bleak at moment. The Spurs may be the only true sellers.
The Raptors bet on Barnes to be their go to guy… The next Kawhi…
It’s year 2… They should look at the draft and tank for someone to complement the team when Barnes is ready…
Nash coaching in the NBA again is an interesting betting line for Vegas
You know ?? It’s true we should be giving more credit to Vaughn. For getting it done. He’s been a big part of this.
I’d say Quickley is definitely worth a #1 pick. His passing has improved. And he’s thinking more. It’s What a real PG is.
Fournier looked rusty. I think both will be traded.
Very happy for Quickley. His transformation into a PG is a testament to his determination and hard work. His 3 pt shot from the PG spot is still not where it was when he played as a wing, but he’s overall a vastly superior 2 way player to the guy we drafted.
In his two starts at PG this year, he has a total of 22 assists and 2 turnovers. Not an aberration, but a continuation of last year’s finish: 37 assists and 7 turnovers in the last 4 games (3 triple doubles).
I’m bullish on Quickley. Nobody’s off limits in trade talks. But he’s not a guy I’d be looking to move.
With Jalen here. Quickley is more an asset. Knicks still need to fill the 2 or 3. That’s the way I look at it. McBride can fill the backup role. Rose and Quickley are expendable now. They can get us value. At position of need.
I don’t disagree. Everyone is available for the right price/target. A big 2/3 combo who fits would be a natural target for us.