Can you believe it? The Toronto Raptors have finally snapped their 11-game losing streak, securing a victory against the Brooklyn Nets with a final score of 113-130.
Oh, Immanuel Quickley, how Raptors nation has missed you, my friend.
It's been a challenging time without IQ, especially as the team's rebuilding efforts began to take a turn for the worse following a difficult stretch of games. The team started to lose its sense of identity, prompting even head coach Darko Rajakovic to express some concerning thoughts about his depleted roster.
Sometimes, amid the darkness, a light at the end of the tunnel emerges.
Raptors fans got a welcome surprise to kick off 2025: the long-awaited return of starting point guard Immanuel Quickley, who had been sidelined for 22 games due to a nagging elbow injury.
IQ was reportedly supposed to have a minutes restriction, but that didn’t turn out to be an issue—he played just over 32 minutes. And in that time, Immanuel Quickley certainly showed just how much his presence has been missed in the Raptors' offense and in the overall flow of their game.
Quickley would finish the game with 21 points, an impressive 15 assists, and four rebounds, shooting 43% from the field and making three of his seven attempts from beyond the arc. It was an impressive game for the fast, sharpshooting player, and his 15 assists clearly demonstrate that Quickley can effortlessly handle the point guard position.
Furthermore, Quickley's effort further reaffirmed his position on the Toronto Raptors' untouchables list.
Immanuel Quickley needs to be on the Raptors' untouchables list
Some time ago, we discussed the idea of the Raptors' 'untouchable' players—those individuals the team would prefer not to include in trade discussions, even if rival executives express interest in their talents.
At that time, it was clear that Scottie Barnes emerged as the team's sole untouchable player, while many others on the roster raised questions. Although Immanuel Quickley wasn't part of the conversation back then, his impressive resurgence and seemingly ideal fit to reintegrate into the Raptors' offensive flow have led to a rethink.
Considering these factors, it's reasonable to view Quickley as a key cornerstone for the future, potentially surpassing some of his co-stars, such as Gradey Dick and even RJ Barrett.
Sure, it’s just a single-game sample size, and it might be a bit premature to draw conclusions. That said, fans watching at home can clearly see how crucial it is to have a capable point guard steering the team.
As 2025 begins, Raptors fans are hopeful that the team stays healthy, develops strong chemistry, and secures some wins to foster a positive atmosphere. Additionally, they are eager to see Immanuel Quickley strengthen his position as a key player in the Raptors' core, solidifying his status as an untouchable asset.