Darko Rajakovic, Scottie Barnes, and the Toronto Raptors managed to turn down the panic alarm a few notes, responding to a horrible home loss to the lowly Portland Trail Blazers with a 130-111 thumping of Damian Lillard and the much-heralded Milwaukee Bucks.
Even if this win may not wholly reverse Toronto’s fortunes, the fact they were able to stomp such a quality opponent shows that Rajakovic’s offensive improvements can stifle even an opponent as skilled as Milwaukee. Toronto looked dynamic and creative for the first time this season.
While the idea of blowing up the roster in the name of making a trade has always been percolating around this fanbase, a few more strong games might make it more challenging for Masai Ujiri to commit to that. The glimmers of hope they showed made Toronto look like a quality two-way team.
As the Raptors move forward in Rajakovic’s debut season, the truth about this roster is starting to emerge. Following the demolition of Milwaukee, the Raptors need to accept these truths about their roster and lean into it as the tough schedule they were dealt stiffens up.
3 hard truths the 2023 Toronto Raptors must accept
3. Otto Porter Jr. must play over Jalen McDaniels
Any hype Raptors fans and this coaching staff had about McDaniels, who established himself as a promising two-way wing with the Hornets and 76ers, has all but evaporated. McDaniels didn’t score in any of his first four games with Toronto, and he received a DNP in the Bucks game.
Porter, who has a history of being a reliable 3-point shooter when healthy, made his debut, and he didn’t disappoint. Hitting the open 3-balls that McDaniels was missing was one thing, but with some clutch rebounds and moves that show off his veteran savvy, OPJ proved his value to this Raptors team.
The Toronto Raptors must give Otto Porter Jr. minutes.
It’s easy to forget what Porter can be at his best. In his last fully healthy season, Porter helped the Golden State Warriors take home a championship as a spot starter and key bench piece, which could be the exact role Rajakovic asks him to fill off the bench in Toronto,
While Porter was likely given minutes due to the absence of Precious Achiuwa, if he is able to replicate his play against Milwaukee, the Raptors need to keep him in the rotation. McDaniels may have had hype, but Porter may have Wally Pipp’d him just a few games into the season.
2. Dennis Schroder needs the ball as much as possible
Anyone still wondering about Schroder and his ability to take over for Fred VanVleet looks quite silly at the moment. Not only has the FIBA World Cup winner exceeded expectations, but he’s been so good that he’s likely been the team’s second-best offensive player behind Scottie Barnes.
Schroder, who tallied 24 points and 11 assists against the Bucks, averaged 16.2 points and 9.2 assists per game on 44/50/83 shooting splits. The Raptors are currently leading the league in passes made, but they need to make sure the ball finds Schroder as often as possible.
Dennis Schroder has been on fire for the Toronto Raptors.
Schroder and Jakob Poeltl (who had a tremendous game after a stinker against the 76ers) have already shown tremendous chemistry on pick-and-rolls. While that started to become of the plan of attack with Fred VanVleet following the trade, Schroder and Poeltl have fully leaned into these plays.
The need for a backup point guard has become even more pressing, as Toronto’s system appears to be very friendly for any guards who can blend quick decisions with aggressiveness as a scorer. Schroder loves this coaching staff, and it shows via his play on the court.
1. Scottie Barnes must lead the offense from the post
Winning is the priority, but making sure Barnes becomes a star is right near the top of the priority list. Free from the constraints of a Nick Nurse offense that didn’t quite fit his skillset, Barnes has had one of the best five-game stretches of his career.
Barnes has averaged 20.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game per game in a stretch that has shown how well-rounded his game is. Barnes has been very efficient, making 52% of his shots from the floor and a very impressive 43% of his 3-pointers.
Scottie Barnes must be the leading man for the Toronto Raptors.
Barnes has been willing to attack the basket and pull up from 3-point range, but he and the rest of the Raptors thrived when he got touches in the post and operated from around the elbow. If you matched up well with him, he’ll make a terrific kick-out pass. If you don’t, he’ll run you over.
Barnes still has a lot of hills to climb, as dozens of NBA payers can put together terrific five-game stretches, but the shooting and assertiveness we have seen from Barnes this season appear to be sustainable. This wrinkle has given Toronto’s offense some life, and Rajakovic must lean into it until it gets stopped.