Previewing the 2022-23 Raptors

Despite this offseason being one of the more quiet in recent memory for the Dinos, and last seasons first round playoff exit to division rivals, there seems to remain a confidence amongst the developing Raptors core. With Masai emphasizing growth at media day, Raptors fans naturally shift their focus to the potential offseason maturation of some of our beloved youngsters.

Scottie Barnes

It’s almost impossible not to start with Scottie, so let’s start with Scottie. In his 2021-22 rookie campaign in Toronto, Scottie Barnes did nothing short of everything a Raptors fan could have asked out of the 4th overall pick. The Rookie of the Year finalist plastered impressive numbers across the board. Acting as a Swiss army knife of sorts for the ‘rebuilding’ Raptors. Proving to be a more than impressively versatile defender already, the prospect of Barnes getting stronger can only in-still fans with hope for Klaw-like playoff runs in the future.

Offensively, Barnes numbers display an efficiency beyond his years. A low turnover rate, while distributing 3.5 assists, and a near 50% field goal percentage. An astounding foundation for a 6’7 power forward turned point guard. I know I’m just itching to get a look at him on the hardwood this year to see what sort of magic sophomore Scottie has in store for us.

Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet

Toronto Raptors beloved duo Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet settle in for their seventh year together in in the North. Siakam recently stating his desire to be a top five player in the NBA turned a few media heads. As well as detailing the offseason focus on developing the teams already touted chemistry by teaming up in Rico Hines runs at UCLA with teammates throughout the summer. This recently progressed into the team actually hiring Rico Hines as a player development coach.

Fred VanVleet on the other hand, has had to spend a large portion of his media availability responding to question marks surrounding his contract situation. Fred has a player option in 2023 and no indication on wether that will be opted into. Both VanVleet and Masai Ujiri have been bombarded with questions about a possible extension. Which both parties maintain they are hopeful that there will be an agreement in the near future.

Potential Breakouts and Depth

The rest of the Raptors roster is riddled with players awaiting a leap, which could ultimately decide the fate of this years team. The likes of O.G. Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., and Precious Achiuwa are primed for breakout seasons. I feel confident saying Toronto have the potential to be a threat to the Eastern title, if not immediately then in the very near future, barring big changes that Masai appears uninterested in exploring.

New imports Otto Porter Jr., Juancho Hernangomez and Josh Jackson are seemingly all well fitting, under the radar Masai-like signings to patch the Raptors depth weaknesses. All of which should provide relief for the big men bench core of Boucher, Achiuwa and Birch. Which proved to be carrying the Raptors bench unit for large stretches of the 2021 season.

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