The Toronto Raptors from the Eastern Conference are going to be a side to watch out for during the 2022-23 NBA season
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The Toronto Raptors had a great run in the 2021-22 NBA season. Although they lost in the first round to the Philadelphia 76ers, the team from the North showed immense grit and determination. The franchise had been in the headlines for a while as there were rumors that had linked them to Kevin Durant. However, the two-time NBA champion decided to stay with the Brooklyn Nets after two months of back and forth.
Despite missing out on him, there are a lot of positives for the Toronto Raptors going into the 2022-23 NBA season. They have a team full of exciting young talent. If they can play hard and give it their all on both ends of the floor, they could be a team that could surprise the other Eastern Conference contenders. In today’s article, we take a look at five players from the Raptors who are going to be key for them in the upcoming season.
Pascal Siakam is one of the best forwards in the league. His offensive ability is known to all. But as years have progressed, the former Most Improved Player of the Year has become a key part of the Raptors’ defensive unit. His spin move is almost unguardable and he has also worked a lot on his jumper. The 28-year-old was able to make it to the All-NBA Third team last season because of his sheer brilliance. If he can replicate that into the 2022-23 NBA season, the Raptors are going to be a lethal team.
Fred VanVleet has been an important part of the Toronto Raptors ever since Kyle Lowry left the team. He has stepped up each time and also led the way from the front for his teammates. Last season, the guard averaged 20.3 PPG and 6.7 APG, both being career highs for him. He also made the All-Star team as what he had been doing with the Raptors was being noted by all. After a great 2021-22 season, VanVleet will be looking to lead the team deep into the playoffs this season. They have all the players needed to help them get there. But in the end, all it comes down to is commitment.
Scottie Barnes won the Rookie of the Year trophy by beating other competitors like Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley. His two-way ability impressed everyone in the NBA community. The young sensation has been spotted putting in a lot of work throughout the offseason. He has all the help around him that will help him succeed. If he can elevate his game and get even better coming into the 2022-23 NBA season, the Toronto Raptors are going to be a side that could make a deep playoff run.
OG Anunoby is another player from the Toronto Raptors who is a great two-way talent. Last season he averaged 17.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG and 1.5 SPG, all being career highs for him. The 25-year-old has had issues with injuries throughout his career, but when he is on the court, all Anunoby brings is supreme quality. He is an important part of the team and if they are to make a deep playoff run in the 2022-23 season, Anunoby will certainly have to have a great season.
Gary Trent Jr. had a career year with the Toronto Raptors last season. He averaged a career-high, 18.3 PPG and proved that he was a sensational scorer. Gary Trent was also a great perimeter defender for the Raptors. He averaged 1.7 steals per game and made life extremely difficult for the opposition’s offense. Going into the 2022-23 season, Gary Trent will be looking to continue putting up big performances for the Toronto Raptors. With him and all the other stars in the franchise, the Raptors will certainly prove to be an exciting team to watch out for during the 2022-23 season
