Beyond the Toronto Raptors: Who are Canada’s best players?
By Go Paolo
Tier A: Star quality
This is it: la crème de la crème. The fate of these players will determine whether Canada is truly on its way to becoming a “basketball power” or just another overhyped story. As far as the timing of this list, these guys are still young and growing. If they don’t realize their potential, they’re still good enough to have a long NBA career. And if they do? Watch out, world!
Jamal Murray
Murray’s tendency to run hot-and-cold is still a concern, but he’s a supernova when he’s cooking. What is consistent with Murray is his killer instinct and his penchant for delivering in the clutch. This was enough for Denver to reward him with a five-year max this summer.
His size and athleticism will keep him from reaching the league’s highest tier, but he is among the best at creating his own shot and finding ways to score. In a crowded Western Conference, it’ll be tougher for him to make an All-Star appearance even if he already is in some people’s books.
Brandon Clarke*
Clarke is our bold pick for the next Canadian NBA star. He got docked points for being “undersized” due to his short wingspan in last year’s draft, but he’s the perfect fit for today’s positionless NBA.
What he lacks can be taught or gained through experience: a consistent jumper and ballhandling. What he already has: explosiveness, creativity, and a passion for the game are what will push him to become one of the premier high-flyers today.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
In only his second year, Gilgeous-Alexander might already be the best player on this list. The trade to Oklahoma City will do nothing but expedite his transition into becoming an All-Star. Gilgeous-Alexander is as crafty as they come and is versatile on both ends of the floor.
Perhaps what’s most impressive with him is how fast he picks up the game. The leap he showed as a rookie last season was phenomenal and it makes us giddy imagining just how high his ceiling having just turned 21 this summer.
R.J. Barrett*
Those of us burned by Wiggins will perpetually worry that Barrett will follow the same ill-starred fate of his fellow lottery pick. But fear not. Barrett has one important quality Wiggins lacks: desire. The third-overall pick can be stubborn and prone to “hero ball” too often, but his deep-seated passion to improve will keep him straight.
Next. One thing from every Toronto Raptors game this week. dark
Barrett is projected to be a high-volume scorer with little much upside anywhere else. But already, he’s proving to be more efficient and a better playmaker than what most scouts gave him credit for. The lingering presence of detractors will keep Barrett focused and this Canadian will be the next big thing in the Big Apple.