Hoops Habit
Fansided

Exit Survey: 3 goals for the steadily-improving Toronto Raptors

By Luke Duffy

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 25: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors (C) celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round at Wells Fargo Center on April 25, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 25: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors (C) celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round at Wells Fargo Center on April 25, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 23: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors is presented with the Rookie of the Year trophy from Raptors president Masai Ujiri ahead of Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on April 23, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

3 goals for steadily-improving Toronto Raptors: 1. Build around Scottie Barnes

Say what you want about VanVleet and Siakam, but Barnes already looks like the guy to build the franchise around. They should do this sooner rather than later, and really if it makes Barnes better in the long run, then the Raptors should explore any trades at all that could make sense to build their new contender.

How would DeAndre Ayton look next to Barnes for the next half-decade? If you have a mobile big like that and a forward in Barnes who looks like he is going to do a bit of everything, then you have two very important pieces in place to ensure that you have a competitive roster.

Barnes said and did all of the right things in his rookie year. Despite being hurt, he clearly wanted to participate in the postseason, which shows his heart. Barnes is a high-energy, likable player that others would want to play with. He isn’t selfish on the ball, doesn’t demand all of the shots, and always tries to defend at a high level. A rare, sought-after combination.

Right now, VanVleet is an excellent guard with Barnes because he has defensive limitations but can score plenty and will find Barnes if needed. Looking into the future, an upgrade at that position would be necessary for the Raptors to get back into true contention conversations. Siakam and Anunoby are important to the franchise but not off the table if it makes sense to help Barnes.

Ujiri won’t make any silly or rash decisions, and he has successfully negotiated deals at the right time in the past. This just so clearly looks like a place where Barnes is going to grow and be trusted with more responsibility, and it will be fascinating to see how he handles that. Look for some roster moves this summer to be made with Barnes very much in mind.

Next. Exit Survey: A huge offseason awaits for the Jazz. dark

Home/Toronto Raptors