The Toronto Raptors played their first exhibition game in months in a much-anticipated preseason matchup against Domantas Sabonis and the Sacramento Kings. Much was expected of Darko Rajakovic after replacing Nick Nurse, and he did not disappoint at all.
The Raptors took down the Kings 111-99 in a game that was not as close as the scoreline would indicate. With a nice 69 points in the first half, the starters were flawlessly executing Rajakovic’s free-flowing offense. An astonishing 18 of the team’s first 23 made shots were assisted.
Even though Rajakovic is an offensive-minded coach, he managed to keep a very strong Sacramento offense in check. This Raptors team has had to put up with a lot of negativity in the last few months, but the skies have cleared for the time being. It’s hard to see this game as any except a fabulous victory.
While it is just a preseason game, and we likely haven’t seen the most complex sets from Rajakovic on offense or the Kings on defense, Raptors fans should be flying high after seeing all the positivity on the floor. These three takes were true against Sacramento, and they could hold firm in the regular season.
3 bold takes after the Toronto Raptors beat Kings in preseason opener.
3. Sixth Man Gary Trent Jr. is here to stay permanently
The Raptors decided to run a more traditional lineup in the early stages of the preseason, putting Dennis Schroder with the starters and moving Trent to the bench. If the Raptors play even half this well in the regular season, Trent could end up in the Sixth Man of the Year hunt.
Trent led all Raptors scorers with 22 points in 21 minutes, making seven of his 12 shots and three of his six 3-point attempts. What stood out was his aggressiveness, as Trent was willing to go to the rim, create for himself in isolation, and keep the ball moving.
The Toronto Raptors could unleash Gary Trent Jr. on the bench.
Rather than competing with four other ball-needy scorers in the starting lineup, Trent can be empowered to be the leading scorer on a bench that is still working on sorting themselves out. In this role, Trent’s ability to get buckets has really started to shine.
On top of the fact that he has shown more of the lightning-quick short-area quickness that made him a tremendous scorer, his defensive energy and playmaking appear to have transferred over after Nurse left. Trent, at his best, could be a weapon that helps Rajakovic’s offense take flight. Now, how about he gets an extension?
2. Jalen McDaniels needs to play 25 minutes a game
The Raptors let just about every player on the roster get a brief glimpse of playing time, but McDaniels was one of the first to get in the game. A perfect Ujiri-type player who made his money in this league with switching and defense, McDaniels looks like a viable two-way player who can fit in this offense.
The former Philadelphia 76ers wing finished with 11 points on 4-5 shooting with four rebounds in 16 minutes. Sacramento’s vaunted offense from last year scored just 99 points in this game, and McDaniels showing the versatility and high IQ on that end were two of the main reasons the Kings couldn’t sustain their hot start.
Jalen McDaniels must play a role with the Toronto Raptors.
McDaniels’ shooting ability is the subject of much discussion. While he showed some potential in that area with the Hornets, his 3-point percentage increase with the 76ers came on limited volume in a reduced role. He’ll need to shoot well if he wants to maintain his role in the rotation.
Should he do that, it will be easy to envision McDaniels as a younger, more athletic upgrade over the injured Otto Porter Jr. After being stuck in basketball Siberia known as Charlotte, McDaniels could thrive in a new role with a coach hell-bent on working with young players like him.
1. Scottie Barnes could be an All-Star
Rajakovic and the Raptors haven’t been shy about their desire to lean into Barnes as a high-end playmaker and primary offensive option. Even in an offense that prioritizes moving the ball freely and getting everyone involved, Barnes was given enough autonomy to take charge of the offense.
The changes in Barnes’ game were evident, as he was using his size to bully people in the frontcourt. With 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and a +20 to his name against a very good team, Rajakovic showed how lethal Barnes can be as the top dog in this offense.
Scottie Barnes impressed on offense for the Toronto Raptors.
Even though Barnes missed both of his 3-pointers, he has much better mechanics than he did last year. While the shooting will come with time, the best way for him to score now is to use his bulk and athleticism to mash his way into the paint and put on a finishing clinic.
While Barnes will likely secede some responsibility to Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby (both of whom had their moments in this game) in the regular season, Toronto will give him every avenue to succeed. After one game, Barnes has shown off some exemplary plays.