The Raptors seem to be steering their 2024-25 campaign back on the right track, having secured two straight victories at home against the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers on December 1st and 3rd, respectively.
And then everything came to a crashing halt once again.
Toronto faced a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, falling 129-92 on December 5. This was followed by a narrow 125-118 defeat against the Mavericks on December 7 and a closely contested 113-108 loss to the New York Knicks on December 9.
The issue for Toronto isn't just their tendency to lose games or falter in close contests; it's the future trajectory that is starting to look bleak, especially following the unfortunate injury news from their matchup against the Knicks.
But fear not, the Raptors community will keep looking ahead. So why not dive into the latest buzz surrounding the NBA's Canadian juggernaut?
Extent of Scottie Barnes' injury
Undoubtedly, the hot topic in Raptors town is the unfortunate injury to Scottie Barnes, who has once again suffered an untimely setback at the hands of another star NBA center.
Barnes has already missed a significant portion of the season due to a serious orbital injury. However, upon his return to the court, he demonstrated that he is a true All-Star worthy candidate and an impressive basketball anomaly, thanks to his diverse skill set.
Alas, the Raptors must once again prepare to face opposing teams without their dynamic forward, as details regarding his injury have come to light.
According to ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania, Barnes' injury has been classified as a 'right ankle injury', and he is expected to miss several weeks. The Raptors' staff will provide additional reevaluation updates in a week's time.
Before the injury, Scottie Barnes was enjoying his best statistical season, averaging 20.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists.
DJ Carton waived, two-way roster spot filled
On December 9, the Toronto Raptors announced that they have waived two-way guard DJ Carton.
Carton began his tenure with the Raptors in February 2024, when the team initially signed him to a 10-day contract. He later signed a two-way deal in March, allowing him to split time between the Raptors 905 and the main roster.
Carton would survive the preseason roster cuts and continue his Raptors journey, securing one of their three eligible two-way contracts alongside Jamison Battle and Ulrich Chomche.
That said, Carton faced challenges with his health and never fully broke through with the Toronto Raptors, averaging 1.8 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 8.6 minutes over the past season and this year.
On the evening of December 11, the Raptors announced that they were signing Canadian guard AJ Lawson to a two-way contract. With Lawson's anticipated arrival to the Toronto Raptors, the roster will include a total of four Canadians: Kelly Olynyk, RJ Barrett, Chris Boucher, and AJ Lawson.
Is Davion Mitchell the best defender in the NBA?
You heard that right, folks. Those are the words of Davion Mitchell himself.
Certainly, the confidence you admire in any NBA talent is clearly evident here. However, a title so boldly proclaimed is sure to get the basketball community talking.
Speaking to the media on December 10, Mitchell stated, 'I feel like I'm the best defender in the league, honestly. On the ball, off the ball, I just feel like that's who I am.'"
Mitchell clearly had something on his mind today.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) December 10, 2024
The question, from @michaelgrange: “You make on-ball plays throughout the game but the 4th quarter you seem to take extra excitement and get pumped up, like that strip on (Brunson). What does that feel like?”
Davion’s answer: pic.twitter.com/gs8mWbdnpF
There is no doubt about Mitchell's prowess as a defender. This aspect of his game has become his trademark, especially given that his 'Off-Night' moniker highlights his defensive tenacity.
His defense has proven to be a crucial aspect of Toronto's ability to stay competitive in tight contests, particularly with Mitchell on the floor during key possessions.
However, a lingering concern remains regarding his ability to find consistent scoring and rhythm within the offense, a challenge that has become more apparent throughout the season following his impressive start.
Of course, a statement like this is open to debate, but one cannot help but respect Mitchell's self-belief and his contributions to the Raptors on the defensive end.