Toronto Raptors Season Preview
Re-signed: Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, Garrett Temple
Additions: Bruno Fernando (free agent), Davion Mitchell (trade)
Draft Picks: Ja’Kobe Walter (No. 19), Jonathan Mogbo (No. 31), Jamal Shead (No. 45), Ulrich Chomche (No. 57)
Departures: Mouhamadou Gueye (waived), Jalen McDaniels (to Kings), Gary Trent Jr. (to Bucks), Sasha Vezenkov (waived)
Unsigned Free Agents: Jordan Nwora, Malik Williams
Last Season Recap
The 2023-24 season marked a continuation of the Toronto Raptors’ steady decline from their 2019 championship peak. The team closed the season with a dismal 2-19 record, ending up in the Draft lottery once again. A midseason trade that brought RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley from the Knicks didn’t spark the turnaround the Raptors hoped for. The trade of Pascal Siakam to the Pacers also marked the departure of the last key player from their championship squad.
The bright spot was Scottie Barnes, who posted career highs across the board, averaging 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. His All-Star selection cemented his role as the new franchise cornerstone, but the Raptors continue to search for a true identity post-championship.
Summer Summary
Toronto’s offseason was relatively mild, focused primarily on locking in its core. Scottie Barnes signed a reported five-year, $225 million extension, while Immanuel Quickley agreed to a five-year, $175 million deal. RJ Barrett, who came over from New York last season, is already locked into his rookie extension through 2026. The goal for Toronto was clear: invest in their young core and give them time to grow together.
They also made smaller moves, such as bringing in Bruno Fernando to add depth in the frontcourt and trading for defensive-minded guard Davion Mitchell. However, these additions, along with drafting guards Ja’Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead, didn’t drastically change the outlook of the team.
Player Spotlight: Immanuel Quickley
Immanuel Quickley was a major focus of the Raptors’ offseason. After coming over from New York, he showed potential as a starter and Toronto decided to lock him in long-term. The question now is whether Quickley is truly suited to be the Raptors’ primary point guard, or if he’s better off playing more off-ball, as he often did with the Knicks. His first full season as a starter will be key to determining his fit and future role.
Season Outlook
The Raptors seem destined for another season of mediocrity, with their ceiling likely being the Play-In Tournament. Their core trio of Barnes, Quickley, and Barrett should make them competitive on most nights, but they didn’t add enough this offseason to significantly elevate the roster. While Davion Mitchell and Ja’Kobe Walter bring talent, it’s unclear where they fit in the rotation. If the team underperforms, Toronto could explore trading some supporting players by the deadline to start fresh.
The 2024-25 season will serve as a crucial litmus test for this new core. Can they develop into a playoff-caliber unit, or is a deeper rebuild necessary? Either way, this season will likely provide clarity on the future direction of the franchise.
