How is the term 'untouchable' defined in the context of basketball?
The term "untouchable" often refers to a player considered so valuable by their team that they are regarded as being in a league of their own, effectively making them off-limits in trade discussions. However, in the cutthroat world of basketball, no player is ever truly untradeable, regardless of how desirable or valued they may be—or once were—in the eyes of an NBA franchise.
Nonetheless, teams often identify a few players as their untouchable assets, and the Toronto Raptors are no exception.
But who truly deserves the label of 'untouchable' on the Toronto Raptors? The answer is more complex than you might expect.
As we've seen throughout this season, nearly every member of the Toronto Raptors has exceeded expectations, emerging as one of the NBA's premier groups of consistently high-performing talent.
Some highlights include RJ Barrett establishing himself as a strong candidate for the All-Star game, while sophomore Gradey Dick is proving to be more than just a sharpshooter. Additionally, underappreciated talents like Jonathan Mogbo and Ochai Agbaji have stepped up to become valuable contributors.
The team has strong talent, but injuries have hindered their ability to perform at full strength with their core group. Guard Immanuel Quickley has missed several games, and franchise cornerstone forward Scottie Barnes appeared on track for another impressive campaign before suffering yet another injury.
The Raptors clearly have a vision for building toward the future. If they had to identify their most untouchable player, it would unequivocally be Scottie Barnes. While there may be other valuable players on the roster, Barnes stands out as the centerpiece of their plans, even with his unfortunate injury history.
Scottie Barnes appears to be the Raptors' definitive 'untouchable'
It might sound a bit crazy, but we invite you to hear us out.
With the seasons that RJ Barrett and Gradey Dick are having, how could they possibly not be part of the untouchable conversations? The truth is, for now, they probably are. However, when we consider the long-term strategy and Masai Ujiri's knack for shifting gears for the sake of team success, those two players may become more expendable than Scottie Barnes ever could be.
RJ Barrett brings significant value to the Toronto Raptors on multiple fronts, complemented by his co-star Scottie Barnes. The scoring prowess of the 'Maple Mamba' has been instrumental in keeping Toronto competitive during challenging games.
However, a lingering question remains: Is Barrett a winning player? Can he maintain consistency and play efficiently? While his contributions are a blessing now, one must consider the future. Will RJ Barrett's talents align with the Raptors' vision as soon as next season or the year after?
Similarly, the situation with Gradey Dick is noteworthy. Being younger, he has significant room for growth and potential, which may give him an edge over RJ Barrett in that regard. This youth also means he could be a long-term asset for the team. However, if an opposing NBA team were to make a compelling trade offer for Dick, particularly if it included a player who could effectively replace his skill set, Toronto might consider the deal.
Gradey Dick is in the process of establishing his status and is on the verge of becoming 'untouchable.' A clearer assessment of his standing is expected to emerge over the next couple of seasons as he navigates some growing pains.
A bold contender for the honorable mentions conversation is none other than Jonathan Mogbo, a childhood friend of Scottie Barnes, along with the Raptors' recent 2024 first-round pick, Ja'Kobe Walter.
Jonathan Mogbo and Ja'Kobe Walter are potential 'untouchables'
Once again, you might be wondering why those two were chosen over the others. The decision is based on long-term fit and the intangible qualities in their skill sets, which are often found in players who elevate championship contenders.
Jonathan Mogbo brings a diverse set of versatile skills that enhance the performance of his teammates rather than overshadow them. He excels at doing the little things that make others shine, and he can also create his own shot when needed. Moreover, he's actively working on improving his jump shot. As the Raptors aim to return to title contention, expect Mogbo to remain an important part of their rotation.
The same applies to Ja'Kobe Walter. He is very young and still developing, but he possesses the potential to become an impactful 3-and-D role player. Consider players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Derrick White, Bruce Brown, and Andrew Wiggins—all of whom played crucial roles on their championship teams. While they may not have been the stars, their contributions were instrumental in helping their teams achieve success."
Walter is poised to enter the same conversations as the notable names mentioned above. With consistent on-court performance and a strong opportunity to showcase his skills, there is a real possibility that Ja'Kobe Walter could emerge as a key player for the Toronto Raptors.
Simply put, the class of 'untouchables' is an exclusive club. While the Raptors are unlikely to rush into trading their players, anyone can be considered if the right offer comes along. Just look at DeMar DeRozan—few expected him to leave Toronto, yet the Raptors surprised everyone by trading him away.
Even when a player seems like a game-changer in the moment, circumstances can shift overnight. For now, though, take comfort in knowing that Scottie Barnes, Gradey Dick, Jonathan Mogbo, and Ja'Kobe Walter are likely at the top of the Raptors' 'safe' list.