The Toronto Raptors didn’t have the most ideal start to the season, being decimated by injuries before the season even began. The Raptors have had their fair share of down moments through the season’s first two weeks. Despite these dark moments, the Raptors’ season has been full of bright spots throughout the first two weeks. So here are the biggest positives of the Toronto Raptors season so far.
Finding The Bright Spots In The Toronto Raptors Season
Sophomore Sensation
With Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley both injured, someone has had to step into a more prominent offensive role to compensate for their absence. That someone is Gradey Dick, who hasn’t just stepped into their role but has elevated his game to another level. Through the first seven games of the season, Dick is leading all sophomores in scoring with 21 points a night on 60% true shooting. Dick has upped his efficiency while upping his scoring volume and self-creation, scoring 21.2% of his points unassisted which is a 34.1% increase compared to last season. Dick has diversified the way he is scoring, becoming more than just a three-point specialist upping his rim and mid-range attempts. Due to the increased rim attempts, Dick has been getting to the free throw line more frequently, taking 3.7 free throws a game.
Through the first seven games, Dick has shown incredible three-level scoring and a ton of upside. When the team gets fully healthy, Dick’s scoring will probably drop a bit with fewer shots to go around. However, this time in the spotlight is going to pay dividends down the road for both the team and Dick.
Never Missed A Beat
One of Toronto’s only bright spots from last season was RJ Barrett’s emergence as a star. After suffering an injury in the first game of the preseason, some worried Barrett might be a bit rusty once he returned. Barrett has been back for the last four games and doesn’t seem to have a single spot of rust anywhere. Since his return, Barrett is averaging 28.8 points per game, making him the league’s eighth-leading scorer. Barrett has been on fire from deep, knocking down 46.2% of his threes. With Barnes and Quickley out, Barrett has taken on the team’s lead playmaker role, averaging 7.3 assists, a massive increase compared to his previous career high. Barrett even recorded his first career double-double with assists, dropping 12 dimes against the Lakers. Through the first four games back, Barrett looks like an All-Star and a long-term member of this roster’s core.
Finding His Footing
After a turbulent first two seasons in the league, Ochai Agbaji finally seems to be finding his footing with Toronto. In the offseason, Agbaji talked about changing his shot mechanics to improve his outside shooting. Over the first seven games, those changes clearly must have worked, with Agbaji knocking down 45.5% of his threes. With teams having to close out to him, Agbaji has gotten to the paint more, where he is finishing exceptionally well. Agbaji has also been more active on the glass, helping the team close out defensive possessions or get second-chance points. After three seasons, Agbaji is finally living up to his 3-and-D title.
