Zach Harper’s Raptors offseason report: General grade, roster breakdown, objectives for 2021-22 – The Athletic
Did the staff get higher?
Of the 4 teams, two bought higher, one bought worse and one stayed the identical. So simply by that math, you’ll say, “After all the Raptors bought higher.” Nonetheless, it’s not fairly that easy. The lack of Lowry as a participant and as a determine in that group goes to be rather a lot to beat. He was a significant a part of the Raptors’ identification, and discovering that new confidence as a staff will take some time. Changing him with Dragic is a pleasant method to navigate that. He thrived in Miami, and he’ll thrive with Toronto as properly. I really like the addition of Achiuwa, and I’m to see what sort of influence Barnes makes instantly. More often than not, I don’t contemplate rookies to be all that significant for wins and losses of their first season. However with Barnes and this group, I believe he’s going to really be an impactful participant from Day 1.
What does that imply for subsequent season?
The Raptors weren’t as dangerous as they performed final season. So many components, together with basically enjoying 72 highway video games, saved them from making the playoffs. In a extra “regular” season, we’re going to see far more of a staff we will belief to compete with many of the groups within the Japanese Convention. So long as all people is comparatively wholesome, I believe this staff can compete to keep away from the Play-In Event. Siakam goes to have to search out consistency as the highest man as soon as he returns from the shoulder harm. They’ll want all of the younger guys to reach their roles. They’ll want Dragic to do for the Raptors what he did for the Warmth. It is a staff able to competing with groups reminiscent of Atlanta, New York, Boston and Miami for a kind of prime six spots within the East when wholesome.
Three fast questions with Eric Koreen, Raptors beat author
1. Will the Raptors transfer Pascal Siakam earlier than the commerce deadline?
No. Except it’s a star forcing his manner out of a state of affairs, my rule of thumb is to all the time wager in opposition to a commerce occurring. Siakam has three years and about $106 million left on his contract, and as our Sam Amick reported, he has no want to go away Toronto. He’s not untouchable, however the Raptors’ imaginative and prescient constructed round defensive size and positionally versatile basketball contains Siakam. If a staff involves the Raptors with a robust assortment of picks and gamers on rookie offers, they should contemplate it. As of now, I’d wager the Raptors worth Siakam greater than the remainder of the league does, even on his expensive deal.
2. Ought to we anticipate Goran Dragic to be moved earlier than the deadline?
Let’s put it this manner: I’d be very shocked if he’s a Raptor after the buyout market closes on the finish of February. His $19.4 million deal, whilst an expiring contract, is difficult to maneuver. If the Raptors are taking up an identical wage that goes past this season, they’ll need prospect/draft sweetener for the difficulty. Will Dragic play properly sufficient to show price it for a staff on the lookout for an additional creator? I’d lean sure, however his harm historical past and match within the Raptors rotation doesn’t make that an apparent sure. It’s extra probably than not the Raptors discover a method to get him to a contender earlier than the deadline. In the event that they don’t, I’d wager he’ll be purchased out then — and solely then.
3. What’s going to Scottie Barnes’ position be for the Raptors as a rookie?
Accordingly, Barnes will get extra time instantly than he would possibly in any other case. When Siakam returns, he’ll slot beside Boucher and behind Siakam and Anunoby within the wing/small-ball middle rotation, though he’ll have the bottom utilization price of the 4. If Raptors followers keep in mind Siakam’s rookie yr, think about a souped-up model of that position: Barnes will probably be requested to defend anyone and all people in his minutes and assist get the Raptors shifting in transition. Within the half court docket, I’d think about the coaching wheels are on, with Barnes not concerned within the coronary heart of many of the actions. If everybody’s wholesome, I’m picturing someplace within the 20-22 minute vary.
Raptors president Masai Ujiri unveils ‘Humanity’ set up outdoors Union Station | The Star
It’s becoming that the very first thing Masai Ujiri has performed to influence life in Toronto since re-upping with the Raptors has nothing to do with basketball.
It has to do together with his idol, Nelson Mandela, it has to do with making an attempt to create a greater world and tackle problems with nice societal want, and it’s artwork that speaks to a lot bigger questions than how he would possibly divest the roster of Goran Dragic.
Oh, these basketball points stay essential and the staff’s president and vice-chairman is pushed to win one other NBA title. However his step Wednesday into the world of public artwork installations speaks to his want to department out past skilled sports activities.
The “Humanity” set up was unveiled Wednesday outdoors Union Station, the place it’s going to occupy house and hopefully permit Mandela’s message to be seen by a whole bunch of 1000’s of individuals between now and its closing Oct. 31. The set up is made up of 35 phrases that replicate what humanity means to Ujiri.
“It’s impressed by Nelson Mandela,” Ujiri stated, standing in entrance of the round set up on the Entrance Road aspect of Union Station between Bay and York streets. “I needed to place a logo as much as remind those who we must always consider others and we ought to be form to others on a regular basis.
“These instances, the final couple of years, have proven all of us want one another as a lot as we will. Who we’re as folks, what we really feel, social justice, George Floyd, every part got here to my thoughts with this and it’s time for us to actually really feel one another … that’s what impressed this.”
Tip Sam Holako
Morning Espresso – Thu, Sep 2 originated on Raptors Republic.
