Toronto Raptors Season Review: A Leap Forward?
The Toronto Raptors’ 30th-anniversary season concluded with a 125-118 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in a game largely defined by key absences, including RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Jakob Poeltl. However, despite the disappointing finish, significant strides were made, culminating in a 30-52 record – a marked improvement over the previous season’s 8-31 start.
Key Performances and Statistical Highlights
Scottie Barnes delivered a career-high 35 points, complemented by 11 rebounds and eight assists, showcasing his increasing influence. Jamison Battle emerged as a scoring threat, posting a career-best 25 points on 7-of-15 shooting from three-point range – a noteworthy breakthrough. Jonathan Mogbo nearly recorded a triple-double with nine points, 10 assists, and 14 rebounds. Rookie point guard Jamal Shead made an immediate impact, contributing 11 points and 9 assists, earning the appreciation of his Austin-based family and friends.
Defensive Dominance – A Defining Trait
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the season was the Raptors’ defensive resurgence. Over the latter half of the campaign, they consistently ranked among the league’s best, allowing a mere 109.7 points per 100 possessions – just a half-point behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. The grading will become much harder, but for now, it’s a B.
This remarkable turnaround was attributed to a combination of factors, including a favorable schedule filled with teams that posed a moderate challenge and a strong defensive effort that neutralized opponents’ scoring threats. It’s crucial to note that relying solely on opponent quality isn’t sufficient; the Raptors demonstrated a genuine elevation in defensive principles and execution, a testament to coaching adjustments and player commitment.
Player-Specific Grades
Scottie Barnes – A Developing Force
Barnes’ fourth season presented a mixed bag. Injuries sidelined him for 17 games, and his minutes were strategically reduced in the final quarter of the season. Despite these limitations, his numbers remained largely consistent with his previous year – 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists with 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks on a solid 48.2 effective field goal percentage. However, his on-ball defense noticeably improved, and the emergence of a consistent mid-range jumper offered a valuable dimension to his game.
“Where you land on Barnes at the moment reflects your expectations and how much context you’re allowing for. He missed 17 games due to injury and played through some, too.”
Looking ahead, Barnes’ contract situation looms large. A $225 million deal necessitates a substantial leap in production next season to justify the investment. Failure to elevate his game substantially could cast doubt on the franchise’s long-term plans for him as a true “max money” player.
RJ Barrett – A Season of Growth
Barrett enjoyed his most productive season yet, reaching career highs in points (21), rebounds (6.3), and assists (5.4). These numbers could have been even higher had the Raptors not strategically limited his minutes in the closing weeks. Despite the reduced playing time, Barrett’s commitment to expanding his offensive repertoire was evident, demonstrated by his willingness to embrace a more creative role as a playmaker. 35.0 per cent from three still remains an area for improvement, as was his free throw shooting at 63.0 per cent. Barrett deserves a lot of credit for continuing to build out his strengths and whittle down his weaknesses in his sixth season, and doing both with an open mind.
With a contract year approaching, Barrett’s performance will be scrutinized closely. A strong showing next season is essential to solidify his position within the Raptors’ core.
Immanuel Quickley – A Troubling Mid-Season Dip
Quickley’s first season with the Raptors showed promise early on, but his performance dipped significantly after the all-star break. Despite averaging 18.8 points and 6.0 assists – supported by a remarkable 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio – and shooting a respectable 38.2 per cent from three-point range, he struggled when not heavily involved in the offense. His shooting percentages plummeted from 41.0 per cent (after the all-star break) to 31.8 per cent from the midrange, highlighting a key area for improvement. By the first year of a second NBA contract everyone typically has a pretty good idea about where a player’s potential lies, but given that Quickley signed his five-year, $175-million deal last summer and then missed all of training camp and 38 of the Raptors’ first 48 games, It probably makes sense to roll any hard and fast conclusions on Quickley and the value of his deal to next season.
Jakob Poeltl – A Consistent All-Around Performer
Poeltl solidified his status as one of the league’s premier centers, setting career highs in points (14.5), rebounds (9.6), steals (1.2), and free throw percentage (67.4%). His impact extended beyond statistics, particularly in the latter half of the season, as the Raptors’ record improved noticeably when he was actively playing. The only issue with Poeltl is that because he’s a poor shooter (his one three-pointer made this season notwithstanding), it limits what the Raptors can do offensively in some respects, but that’s nothing to blame him for.
His reliability and defensive prowess make him an invaluable asset for the Raptors.
Brandon Ingram – A Strategic Acquisition
Ingram’s acquisition at the trade deadline was primarily focused on his long-term health and development. While he played only sparingly for the Raptors, the decision to prioritize his well-being reflects the team’s strategic approach to maximizing his potential. Whether Ingram can become a cornerstone player for the Raptors remains an open question, contingent upon his ability to stay healthy and contribute consistently. If Ingram can play 65 to 70 games on average over the next three years, it will likely work out very well for Toronto. But he hasn’t played 65 games since he was a 19-year-old rookie with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Looking Ahead
Despite the disappointing outcome, the Raptors’ 30th-anniversary season provided a foundation for future growth. The defensive improvement, coupled with promising performances from young players like Barnes, Battle, Shead, and Agbaji, offers a glimpse of a brighter future. The team’s preparation and commitment to a leap next season, fueled by the positive momentum and the presence of Ingram on the bench, suggest a renewed sense of optimism.
Overall Grade: B-
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