Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa appears to be on the verge of returning from a right ankle injury. He was put through a vigorous on-court workout after the team’s practice today, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca (Twitter links), who notes that Achiuwa has been upgraded to questionable for Thursday’s game vs. Memphis.
Despite the change in Achiuwa’s status on the injury report, Lewenberg believes the former first-round pick is more likely to return for Friday’s game vs. Phoenix. Achiuwa hasn’t played since November 9.
Here’s more on the Raptors:
- Raptors big man Chris Boucher has logged just 22 total minutes in the last three games and has scored only two points during that stretch. Asked if Achiuwa’s return could benefit Boucher, head coach Nick Nurse simply stated, “Chris needs to play better“ (Twitter link via Lewenberg).
- After leaving Tuesday’s game due to lower back stiffness, Fred VanVleet is listed as questionable for Thursday, tweets Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca. The Raptors’ starting point guard is dealing with back spasms, according to Nurse (Twitter link via ESPN’s Tim Bontemps). If VanVleet has to miss any time, Malachi Flynn has earned the opportunity to play a larger role, writes Doug Smith of The Toronto Star.
- Rookie center Christian Koloko, also listed as questionable for Thursday’s game, is getting an MRI on his sore right knee today, tweets Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca.
- Both Grange and Lewenberg explored what it meant to have Clippers forwards Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell – two members of the Raptors’ 2019 championship team – back in the building on Tuesday. Despite Leonard’s reputation for being “notoriously stoic,” even the former Finals MVP was feeling a little nostalgic, according to Grange. With the Clippers still managing his knee, Leonard was given the choice of sitting out Monday’s game in Detroit or Tuesday in Toronto — he opted to face the Raptors. “It’s always great memories coming in this arena,” Kawhi said. “And if I was going to sit a game I’d rather give the fans in Toronto a chance to see me play again.”
Raptors have a really good team on paper.
Scottie Barnes was rookie of the year last year as this point forward with elite defence.
Pascal Siakim plays consistently at an all NBA level when he’s on the court.
FVV was an all star just the other year
OG Anunoby is a solid 2 way player and currently leads the league in steals
GTJ is a solid starter
Both Boucher and Thad Young have received sixth man of the year votes in previous years not so long ago and Nick Nurse is a quality coach
But for whatever reason they can’t seem to put it all together.
Yea all these players are good and hold value but if your not winning games together then is it really worth keeping them all together??
FVV and GTJ both have player options for next season, OG has one the year after. Sikaim only has 1 more season on his current deal.
I wouldn’t call it blowing it up but I’d be making a big move before the trade deadline if I’m the raptors.
Suggested deals:
1.
OKC: OG Anunoby, GTJ and 3 firsts
TOR: SGA and Muscala
2.
CHI: OG Anunoby and GTJ
TOR: Zach LaVine
3.
CHI: OG, GTJ and Thad Young
TOR: DD and Vuce
4.
IND: OG and GTJ
TOR: Heild and Turner
5.
NYK: OG, GTJ and Birch
TOR: RJ Barrett, Fouriner and Reddish
Think you need to try find another top tier talent to make a somewhat big 3 with Siakim and Barnes. Deals 1, 2 and 5 give you that big name player. Deals 3 and 4 pinch good players from teams rebuilding.
Deal 1 would have the most risk with 3 firsts leaving but SGA is playing at a fantastic level this year, he would fit in really well into the raptors style and is obviously from Canada.
Deal 2 is the poor man’s superstar, LaVine. Having a down season with the bulls, rumours he might be available. Great athleticism, good scoring and shooting ability but very poor defence.
Deal 3, DD returning to the raptors. Floor spacing would be very poor with he and Barnes but Vuce would be a very good addition aswell.
Deal 4, Heild for GTJ, bit of a backwards step but Heild is a terrific shooter. OG for Turner, more for positional need. Turner would be a great fit at the 5 and provides spacing.
Deal 5, again a Canadian returning home, this time RJ Barrett. The spacing would be poor also, but Fouriner could provide a good bench boost. Long term you’d hope to figure it out
In every trade except the first one, Raptors are giving up the best player. How do these make any sense for the Raptors?
Zach is better than OG
DD is better than OG
Turner is a better fit
Not sure on RJ
Your lack of expertise is telling…OG is better than Zach or DD (at this stage of his career).
Right now DD is clearly better than OG. OG is good at both ends but he’s only leading a team on offence nor is he all defensive first team. DD runs the offence and single handily wins his team numerous games.
As for Zach last season he was in the conversation for being one of the best SG’s. Right up there with Jaylen Brown, Bradley Beal, CJ etc. Yea he’s having a poor season but I’d say he’s still better than OG slightly
Dude, stop. You have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. I have numerous reasons that I can give, as to why your takes are so poor, but getting into an argument with ignorant people only makes you look as ignorant as they are.