As if anyone needed to be reminded, the Raptors are Scottie Barnes' team. The face of the franchise had his status confirmed during the opening-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In Barnes' rookie season, the Raptors fell to Philadelphia in six games. In his second post-season appearance, Toronto pushed the Cavs to a Game 7.
It should now be obvious that Barnes isn't about to become an elite shooter, but that is fine given how his overall game has developed and figures to get even better. Perhaps his off-the-dribble shooting will reach some level of competence and efficiency. When stepping into shots from beyond the arc, Barnes has shown to be better than average, and his mid-range turnaround is almost unstoppable.
From a 30-win season to this year's 16-win improvement, many gains were made. Many signs of optimism emerged from the Game 7 series against the Cavs. But what now? What needs to be done for the Raptors to take another step? There is plenty to like, beginning with Barnes, yet plenty to be concerned about moving forward, starting with the club's onerous salary structure. General manager Bobby Webster will have to thread a thin needle as he seeks creative ways to surround Barnes with the pieces he requires: size and shooting.
Here are five questions worth pondering as the Raptors officially begin their off-season.
1. Has youth been served?
Jamal Shead, Ja'Kobe Walter, and Collin Murray-Boyles each stepped up against the Cavs, showing fearlessness. However, each has deficiencies, mainly size. Murray-Boyles is an undersized big, but he has shown no matchup is too daunting. What he needs is shooting consistency and an off-the-dribble shot. All three appear to be keepers, ideally used as bench pieces until one or two evolve into legitimate starters. The odd man out is Gradey Dick, selected 13th overall in 2023. Unless something changes, Dick will be known as a draft bust. Fortunately, the Raptors hit on Walter, Shead, and Murray-Boyles.
2. Is trading Brandon Ingram viable?
Without Ingram, the Raptors would not have produced a 46-win season. In the playoffs without him, RJ Barrett expanded his role. When Toronto faced scoring issues against Cleveland, Ingram's presence would have helped, even though he was struggling. The Raptors need more sample size on Shead, Walter, and Murray-Boyles. Barnes' coming-out party and the emergence of the young core could force the franchise to look hard at moving Ingram. If a veteran like CJ McCollum can be acquired, the Raptors should jump on it.
3. Keep Barrett or use him as a trade tool?
Sentiment means nothing in pro sports. Stylistically, Barrett fits well with Barnes, who was at his best when pushing the ball. The ball tends to stick in the half court when Ingram has possession, but Barrett's regular-season contributions were key. His stock increased during the seven-game series, but his outside shooting remains a question. If the Raptors want to build around Barnes, shooting must be addressed. Webster's biggest off-season task is to find a way to handle both Barrett's contract (one year remaining) and Ingram.
4. What to do with Jakob Poeltl?
When healthy, Poeltl provided a needed presence in the paint. But his playoff impact was negligible. It is hard to see any team pining for someone with back issues who had minimal impact against the Cavs. His size would be ideal for a Raptors team in need of it, and Poeltl has been valuable when healthy. Unless his back improves, his contract threatens to become an albatross. Playing fast and embracing a swarming defence helped Toronto turn the series, two areas where Poeltl does not qualify.
5. Are big changes in store?
Immanuel Quickley needs to stay healthy, but he isn't going anywhere because no team seems willing to take on his bloated contract. He can play in transition, create his own shot, and make three-pointers, all facets needed alongside Barnes. A healthy Quickley and an emerging Shead make an ideal point guard rotation. Sandro Mamukelashvili has a player option he will likely opt out of, knowing greener pastures await. Barnes isn't going anywhere, and the Shead-Walter-Murray-Boyles trio appear to be staples. The biggest questions surround Ingram and Barrett.
