NEWS UPDATE: Scottie Barnes ought six players due to…
During All-standout weekend, Raptors standout Scottie Barnes will likely be busy persuading these players to come to Toronto and play with him.
This season, the Toronto Raptors rebuilt their roster. Scottie Barnes remained the team’s undeniable centrepiece and cornerstone after the trades of Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. The 22-year-old’s third NBA season is off to a great start. Barnes is rapidly rising to the top of the league’s two-way star rankings and was selected for his first All-Star team.
He was only the ninth Raptor in history to be selected for the All-Star team. One huge benefit is that they have a young star on their squad. Toronto must make use of it and continue to enhance the area surrounding the 6’7 forward.
All-Star weekend offers players a special opportunity and is jam-packed with action. The best players in the league are all in one location, and some recruiting is undoubtedly done. Should Scottie Barnes make an effort to persuade these All-Stars to travel to Toronto with him?
6. Young Trae
Similar to Barnes, Ice Trae was an All-Star injury substitute, and trade rumours for the offseason are already starting to surface (subscription required). With a record below.500, the Hawks are fighting for the last Eastern Play-In Tournament spot. They didn’t alter at the deadline, but another underwhelming season will probably cause them to do so. Young might be traded by Atlanta in an attempt to garner a huge return.
Immanuel Quickley was acquired by the Raptors from the Knicks in exchange for Anunoby, although his best usage is as a sixth man. To lessen Young’s defensive problems, Toronto possesses length on the wing and could use a starting point guard. The Raptors, who rank 20th in offensive rating, may get off to a quick start under his leadership as one of the NBA’s finest offensive engines.
Although Trae Young isn’t the ideal fit, the Toronto Raptors would have another young player to base their future plans around. The team may determine that in order to contend again, they require a player who can contribute to both ends of the court.