Holy smokes ladies and gentlemen, a significant trade has happened between the Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks. Yes, those same Knicks that are in the process of suing the Toronto Raptors for stealing their strategies. In a stunning announcement the Toronto Raptors are trading all NBA defender OG Anunoby, oft injured Precious Achiuwa and always angry Malachi Flynn for Canadian boy RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley and a 2nd round draft pick.
What does it mean? From my perspective and it’s just my opinion, but I’m not going to miss any of those 3 players. Don’t get me wrong, OG is a defensive force, but I fear and have long feared that a secret existed just below his surface and it’s keeping him from becoming a dominating player. It’s not my place to discuss it, suffice it to say, I wish him well. As for Precious and Malachi, I don’t see them becoming even significant pieces on a middling team. I think the locker room will be better off without them. Sure Precious was heralded as a real deal in the trade for Lowry but it became obvious that the Heat knew he was limited by a low basketball IQ. What they didn’t know that we now know is his fragility.
I admit to not having any specific inside information on the Raptors, but right from the get go it never looked to me that Flynn had any upside. He never impressed. There was never a time when he showed any potential. What really ticked me off, however, wasn’t his lack of skill, but rather his whining about not getting enough playing time at a time when the coach needed someone to step up and take minutes off the backs of the starters. Even his dad complained to the team about Malachi’s playing time.
So this year with a new coach, Flynn’s time was increased but again, it made no difference. He just didn’t cut it. I don’t expect he’ll be in the league in a few years. Perhaps he should consider Europe if he really wants to play ball.
So no, I won’t miss any of these guys although I will wish them well. But what about the guys incoming? Let’s start with RJ. In his early college days he was higher rated than Zion and Ja and it was only near the draft that he fell to 3 from 2 in the draft predictions. I announced that I suspected that before it was all over, RJ would have the better career over Zion due in large part because I suspected that Zion might not be able to stay healthy. So far, I’ve been proven correct although Zion still does possess the potential to be a superstar.
Even still, RJ has had a solid career so far and I suspect with the support of a team experienced in developing players that he may have more to give and could be a great 2nd to Scottie Barnes or 3rd to Scottie and Pascal. In either case, RJ has a real opportunity to blossom here at home.
I also like the fact that RJ is only in year 1 of a 4 year deal averaging just over $25 million a year. Given the astronomical NBA salary range, it’s a solid deal for a solid guy.
Quickley is 4 years out of Kentucky and averaging 15 points per game. He seems like a solid 2 and is well liked by his teammates and fans. Certainly the Knick fans are sorry to see him go so let’s give him a chance and see what he can bring to the party.
Overall an exciting trade and one that makes the Raptors a better team. How will they integrate into the new team? Are any more high profile trades coming our way? Stay tuned.