3 possible solutions to fix the Raptors' terrible half court offense

3 possible solutions to fix the Raptors’ terrible half court offense

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Head coach Darko Rajakovic of the Toronto Raptors reacts during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 02, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

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TORONTO, CANADA – NOVEMBER 15: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

2. More Scottie Barnes

The Raptors can’t seem to get both Barnes and Siakam playing well together on the same night. When it looks like Scottie is in for another stat-stuffing night, Siakam is relegated to more off-ball work and vice-versa. If only one can dominate, it has to be Barnes.

While that atrocity against Milwaukee shouldn’t be viewed as a blueprint for how to do anything right on either side of the ball, Barnes was able to take command and be a more assertive player who was the only one on the floor who looked capable of creating for himself and getting to the rim. Rajakovic would be foolish to prevent more outbursts like this.

The Toronto Raptors must go all-in on Scottie Barnes.

Barnes does so many things well, but one of the more common criticisms of his tenure in the pros has been a somewhat tentative nature. When Barnes isn’t on his game, and either Siakam or Anunoby can’t help pick up the slack, this offense literally can’t score any points.

While telling a 22-year-old player to carry the offensive load for a team who wants to win now could be a bit of a tall task, the Raptors have essentially said that Barnes will be the tip of their spear for the next half-decade. Why not give him a head start by trying to use him to get the team out of the mud?

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