While Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Scottie Barnes look like safe bets to be part of the Raptors‘ starting lineup this fall, the fifth spot may come down to Gary Trent Jr. vs. Precious Achiuwa. And, as Eric Koreen of The Athletic writes, both players will be motivated to have big years — Trent can become an unrestricted free agent next offseason if he declines his 2023/24 player option, while Achiuwa will become eligible for a rookie scale extension in 2023.
If the Raptors decide Achiuwa’s size makes him a better fit for that starting role, Trent is still capable of maintaining or improving his value while coming off the bench, Koreen argues. As a sixth man, Trent’s usage rate would likely be higher than it would be as a starter. Throw in the fact that he’ll only be 24 years old next summer and projects to be part of a playoff team, and Trent should be in line for a nice payday whether he’s a starter or a reserve in 2022/23.
Here’s more from around the Atlantic:
- The Nets‘ one-year deal with Markieff Morris won’t be guaranteed, according to reports from ESPN and Brian Lewis of The New York Post. We’ll have to wait until after the signing is official to confirm whether Morris’ salary will be fully non-guaranteed or partially guaranteed — either way, he seems like a good bet to earn a regular season roster spot if he looks healthy in training camp.
- There aren’t many NBA executives who have a “down-the-middle” take on Knicks forward RJ Barrett, according to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, who says some talent evaluators view him as a future All-Star while others question his shooting ability, his decision making, and/or his touch around the basket. Vecenie explains within his article why he’s a believer in Barrett’s long-term potential.
- For more on Barrett’s extension and how it affects Donovan Mitchell trade talks, be sure to check out our Knicks page, which has been busy so far this week.
Donovan Mitchell can stay right where he is, there is no need for him here in NY. I do understand why he wants to come home though. I hope Mitchell goes to the Nyets or the Fakers truthfully. I wish him my absolute best, a good guy.
So are you going to cheer for whoever Judge signs with or are you Yankee for life?
So NBA executives are split on opinions about RJ Barrett’s potential? All they have to do is ask Knicks fans. They will tell you that the guy is a guaranteed superstar in the making. Don’t ignore those opinions. After all, their fan base told everyone that Danilo Gallinari was the next Dirk Nowitzki and that Iman Shumpert was the next D-Wade. So what if those predictions fell a little short by lightyears, you can still listen to their opinions.