Media Day is almost here, meaning that the Toronto Raptors are just a few days away from kicking off what is expected to be a very pivotal 2022 preseason. Fresh off 48 victories in a season that surprised many, Toronto is gearing up for a more serious push towards championship glory.
With an All-Star point guard in Fred VanVleet, reigning Rookie of the Year in Scottie Barnes, and an All-NBA power forward in Pascal Siakam, Toronto has the firepower to once again be one of the most interesting and exciting teams in the league. Were you worried about losing Chris Boucher and Thad Young? Both of them were brought back.
There are so many interesting tidbits to check in on, as the Raptors are taking their star-laden group into a collection of scrums against a much-improved Eastern Conference. There will be no easy games in this conference, especially for a Toronto team with a brutal start to the season.
Those willing to get up early to watch the Media Day madness unfold at 7:00 a.m. should keep an eye out for these three names. Two of them will set the tone for the entire season, and one of them is a human interest story that simply needs to be explored more.
3 Toronto Raptors to watch on Media Day.
3. Nick Nurse
Everything the Raptors do on the floor starts and ends with the experienced sergeant at arms on the bench. Nurse has helped navigate this team back into the playoff waters after their sabbatical in the lottery, but he’ll really need to light a fire under this team to do it again.
Nurse has been willing to speak his mind in the offseason, as he addressed both OG Anunoby wanting a more significant role in the offense and Precious Achiuwa going into the season with a “different mindset.” Nurse is surprisingly quotable, which could make for some interesting moments.
Nick Nurse should give the Toronto Raptors balance.
While Nurse and Masai Ujiri tried to keep everything as similar as possible when compared to last year, he did manage to bring in a few new faces in Otto Porter Jr. and Christian Koloko. Expect Nurse to offer some clarity about how these two additions will be used.
The fact that Nurse didn’t receive any coach of the Year attention for what a damn fine job of getting that squad to perform well last season blows my mind. Nurse can easily set the stage for another COTY campaign in 2022.
2. Juancho Hernangomez
Hernangomez, fresh off his star turn as Bo Cruz in Adam Sandler’s basketball scouting love-letter Hustle, landed in Toronto after signing a one-year deal with guaranteed money. Considering how he struggled to find a home last year, Toronto is banking on a big jump in production.
Usually, players vying for a spot at the back end of the bench are not among those who would be highlighted on Media Day. With Hernangomez embarking on his first season post-film breakout, the press will likely pick the actor/power forward’s brain and find out what the last few months have been like.
Toronto Raptors: Juancho Hernangomez will have stories to tell.
Between taking his turn as the league’s resident thespian and meeting his new teammates, Juancho teamed with his brother Willy to help Spain win the Eurobasket final. After an up-and-down start to the tournament, Hernangomez saved his best game for the final by scoring 27 points and raining down 3-pointers on France.
We may not see Hernangomez become a locked-in rotation presence unless injuries beset the Raptors, but there may be no more famous mop-up player in the league. If he is forced into action, Nurse will do everything he can to make sure the ascending youngster we saw in Minnesota makes the trip.
1. Scottie Barnes
Just one year removed from being a shocking selection at No. 4 overall, Barnes may be the single-most beloved member on the team and the most-liked young athlete in Toronto. Wherever he goes, that electric smile and gregarious personality are sure to bring legions of fans.
On the court, Barnes is going to garner tons of attention. The point forward was already defending established big men and taking some turns as the primary ball-handler with the bench unit. Seeing how Barnes has grown, both physically and mentally, is going to be right at the top of the festivities list.
Scottie Barnes will lead the Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors will expect Barnes to be more assertive on the offensive end, and he’ll need to be considering that Atlanta and Cleveland have suddenly become much deadlier. Brooklyn may finally promise to make good on their championship threats from years past.
Scottie has spent most of the offseason getting stronger and better as a shooter, which should help him become a better finisher and perimeter player on offense. That first night Barnes drops 25 points with that boyish grin on his face will let all Raptors fans know what a fabulous season they’re in for.