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Pascal Siakam Haynes: Pascal Siakam prefers to remain in Toronto
Thu, Jun 22, 2023, 4:44 PM
Chris Haynes on Twitter
According to Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes, teams believe that Pascal Siakam will not sign an extension if he's traded due to his preference to remain in Toronto.
Analysis: The names of Siakam and OG Anunoby have come up in trade rumors, with the former entering the final season of his contract. With that being the case, teams would certainly like some kind of assurance that Siakam would agree to a new contract before making a move. However, Haynes reported that opposing teams are under the assumption that Spicy P will not sign a new deal anywhere if traded, as he prefers to remain with the Raptors. Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer reported that the Hawks are one team that has kicked the tires on a potential Siakam trade, putting together multiple offers. |
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Gary Trent Report: Gary Trent Jr to opt into player option
Tue, Jun 20, 2023, 12:48 PM
Chris B Haynes on Twitter
Gary Trent Jr. will opt into his $18.5 million player option for the 2023-24 season according to Chris B Haynes of Bleacher Report.
Analysis: There were thoughts that Trent Jr could be a sought-after commodity on the free agent market this offseason however it seems as if Gary won't just be sticking around for next year but for years to come. Trent Jr reportedly wants to remain in Toronto and the two sides are working on an extension. Last season Trent Jr averaged 17.4 ppg and shot 37 percent from three-point range. |
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Fred VanVleet Fred VanVleet declines PO, set to hit free agency
Mon, Jun 12, 2023, 2:16 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Fred VanVleet has declined his $22.8 million player option for 2023-24 and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Analysis: VanVleet averaged a career-best 7.2 dimes per game in 2022-23, to go with 19.3 points, 1.8 steals and 3.0 triples. He's put up strong numbers across the last four seasons, going for at least 17.0 points, 6.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.7 triples in each campaign. He's sure to be courted by many teams, with the most notable including the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat, the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns. FVV is the first major free-agency announcement in what's sure to be an exciting NBA offseason. |
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Gary Trent Report: ORL to target Gary Trent Jr. this summer
Tue, Jun 6, 2023, 8:29 PM
Heavy
According to Heavy's Sean Deveney, league sources believe that the Magic will target Gary Trent Jr. in free agency.
Analysis: Trent is expected to opt out of the final season of his current contract in order to hit free agency, and he should not lack suitors. A career 38.4% shooter from three, it's understandable that he would be a target for the Magic. Orlando finishes last season ranked 26th in offensive rating and 24th in 3-point percentage, two areas where Trent is capable of giving the team a boost. Also worth noting is the status of Gary Harris, who has a team option worth $13 million. While a capable 3-and-D wing, injuries have been an issue for him since he arrived in Orlando. Not picking up Harris' option could open up the space needed to add Trent or another highly regarded wing shooter this summer. |
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Scottie Barnes Scottie Barnes to work on conditioning this summer
Fri, Apr 14, 2023, 9:29 AM
Toronto Sun
Scottie Barnes said during his exit interview that conditioning is an area where he'll need to take things to another level ahead of next season.
Analysis: âI feel I probably need a different level of conditioning for the way I want to play,â Barnes said, according to the Toronto Sun. âI wouldnât say it impacted (his performance a lot), but I got tired sometimes when I picked up full-court (on defense) the way I play. For me to take another step defensively, I feel like it will take another level of conditioning,â he said. After playing 35.4 minutes per game as a rookie, Barnes was close to that number (34.8 mpg) this season. But his percentages from the field overall and from three slipped, as did Barnes' effective field goal percentage. He still finished the season ranked within the top 100 in 9-cat, per-game value, but the expectation of fantasy managers was that he'd be a top 50 player. While this could be a summer of change in Toronto, Barnes will be one of the constants moving forward. |
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Gary Trent Gary Trent Jr. struggles in 17 minutes vs. Chicago
Wed, Apr 12, 2023, 10:09 PM
Gary Trent Jr. accounted for two points (1-of-7 FGs), two rebounds, and one assists in 17 minutes during Wednesday's 109-105 loss to the Bulls.
Analysis: Trent has a player option for next season worth a little over $18.5 million. One would assume he desires a larger role than the one he had in Toronto to end the season, and Nick Nurse didn't trust his bench very much on Wednesday. GTJ was the lone Raptors reserve to hit double figures in minutes, with Precious Achiuwa (six points, four rebounds) playing nine minutes and Chris Boucher (one rebound) seven. Trent entered this season with a Yahoo ADP of 89, and he finished ranked outside the top 100 in 9-cat formats. |
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Jakob Poeltl Jakob Poeltl struggles with turnovers vs. Chicago
Wed, Apr 12, 2023, 9:53 PM
Jakob Poeltl finished Wednesday's 109-105 loss to Chicago with seven points (3-of-4 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), eight rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in 37 minutes.
Analysis: Despite his being a free agent this summer, Toronto made the decision to acquire Poeltl from the Spurs at the trade deadline. While he did fill a significant void within the Raptors' rotation, the acquisition wasn't enough to propel Nick Nurse's team into the postseason. Poeltl did a good job on the boards Wednesday night but was also responsible for a team-worst five turnovers. Entering the season with a Yahoo ADP of 72.1, Poeltl finished slightly above that number in 9-cat formats. Regardless of where he lands, he should be a top-75 player. |
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Scottie Barnes Scottie Barnes accounts for 19 with 10 rebounds
Wed, Apr 12, 2023, 9:32 PM
Scottie Barnes recorded a line of 19 points (7-of-13 FGs, 4-of-7 FTs), 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block, and one 3-pointer in 40 minutes during Wednesday's 109-105 loss to the Bulls.
Analysis: After recording 15 double-doubles during the regular season, Barnes finished his second NBA season with another on Wednesday. A player many fantasy managers hoped would break out after providing 6th-round value in 9-cat formats, Barnes had a Yahoo ADP of 44.2. He wouldn't reach that level, unfortunately, finishing as a 7th-round player in 8-cat formats and an 8th-round player in 9-cat. The key to his fantasy value being boosted may be the perimeter shot, as Barnes shot 28.1% from three with an average of 0.8 makes per game. What would also impact his value is what happens with Fred VanVleet, who will be an unrestricted free agent. While Barnes is highly unlikely to be a full-time point guard if VanVleet leaves, his usage would still increase. |
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Pascal Siakam Pascal Siakam scores 32 with nine rebounds vs. CHI
Wed, Apr 12, 2023, 9:22 PM
Pascal Siakam logged 42 minutes in Wednesday's 109-105 loss to Chicago, accumulating 32 points (13-of-22 FGs, 5-of-11 FTs), nine rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one 3-pointer.
Analysis: Siakam was one of many Raptors who struggled from the foul line, as the team went a staggering 18-of-36 in a four-point defeat. Spicy P played well otherwise, with 19 of his team-high 32 points being scored in the first half. He didn't reach his Yahoo ADP of 28.5, but Siakam finished the season ranked within the top 50 in 8- and 9-cat formats. He averaged 24.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks, and 1.3 3-pointers per game in 72 appearances, shooting 48.2% from the field and 76.7% from the foul line. Something to keep an eye on this offseason will be what happens with Fred VanVleet, who will be an unrestricted free agent. His potential exit would impact the fantasy value of multiple Raptors, including Siakam. |
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Fred VanVleet Fred VanVleet puts up 26/12/8/1/1 in season finale
Wed, Apr 12, 2023, 9:16 PM
Fred VanVleet shot 8-of-22 from the field and 3-of-6 from the foul line in Wednesday's 109-105 loss to Chicago, scoring 26 points with 12 rebounds, eight assists, one steal, one block, and seven 3-pointers in 42 minutes.
Analysis: VanVleet shot very well from beyond the arc Wednesday night, making seven of his 13 attempts. But scoring inside the arc proved problematic, with FVV going 1-of-9, and he also shot just 50% from the foul line. VanVleet struggling in those areas was a surprise, as his percentages from two (45.5%) and the foul line (89.8%) were career-highs. Whether or not this was VanVleet's final game as a Raptor remains to be seen, as he'll hit the market as an unrestricted free agent this summer. Entering the 2022-23 season with a Yahoo ADP of 27.1, Mr. Bet on Yourself was a top 20 player in 9-cat formats and a top 25 player in 8-cat. |
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Gary Trent Gary Trent Jr. leads Raptors with 23 points in win
Sun, Apr 9, 2023, 3:28 PM
Gary Trent Jr. led Toronto with 23 points (7-for-13 FGs), one rebound, three assists and four 3-pointers in a 121-105 win over the Bucks.
Analysis: Despite clinching the 9th seed in the East, Toronto still used players from their regular rotation in this game. Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunuoby sat, while Jakob Poeltl only played 11 minutes. However, GTJ played 27 minutes, and Scottie Barnes contributed eight points, two rebounds and five assists in 22 minutes. Aside from that, the Raptors relied on the other guys. Malachi Flynn scored 20 points as the starting point guard. Precious Achiuwa started and posted a 14/13/1/2 line. Chris Boucher, Will Barton, Ron Harper Jr. and Dalano Banton all contributed double figure scoring numbers off the bench. The Raptors will host the Bulls on Tuesday with a chance to advance to the second round of the play-in tournament and an opportunity to play the Bucks in the playoffs. |
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Malachi Flynn TOR starting Flynn, GTJ, Barnes, Achiuwa, Poeltl
Sun, Apr 9, 2023, 11:40 AM
Blake Murphy on Twitter
Malachi Flynn, Gary Trent Jr., Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa, and Jakob Poeltl will start Sunday's game against the Bucks.
Analysis: With Fred VanVleet, O.G. Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam all ruled out, Flynn, Trent, and Achiuwa are in the starting lineup. How much Trent plays remains to be seen, as this game means nothing as far as playoff seeding is concerned. Given the amount of time he's missed recently due to injury, GTJ may be out the only for as long as it takes for him to get into a good rhythm. |
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Fred VanVleet Fred VanVleet (left thumb) out Sunday vs. Bucks
Sat, Apr 8, 2023, 7:45 PM
NBA Injury Report
Fred VanVleet will miss Sunday's game against the Bucks with a sore left thumb.
Analysis: VanVleet joins Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby as key contributors sidelined for Sunday's game, which will have no impact on the standings. Gary Trent Jr. will likely move into the starting lineup, which would make him an attractive fantasy option at first glance. However, he may be a player that Toronto would place on a minutes restriction, as he'll be a key reserve in Wednesday's play-in game against Chicago. Malachi Flynn and Dalano Banton could see their minutes increase, as neither is projected to be part of the postseason rotation. |
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Pascal Siakam Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby out Sunday vs. Bucks
Sat, Apr 8, 2023, 7:41 PM
NBA Injury Report
Pascal Siakam (rest) and O.G. Anunoby (sore right ankle) have been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bucks.
Analysis: With Toronto locked into the 9-seed in the East, Raptors coach Nick Nurse has decided to reset a few of his key players. Siakam, Anunoby, and Fred VanVleet will not be available for Sunday's game. The absences of Siakam and Anunoby will free up additional minutes for Chris Boucher and Precious Achiuwa. |
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Pascal Siakam Pascal Siakam puts up 19/3/2/4 in loss to Boston
Fri, Apr 7, 2023, 9:04 PM
Pascal Siakam led Toronto with 19 points (8-for-15 FGs), three rebounds, two assists, four steals and a 3-pointer in a 121-102 loss to Boston on Friday.
Analysis: This was an ugly game for Toronto, despite the stakes. With a win, they still had a chance to past Atlanta in the standings and finish eighth in the East. Despite playing against the Celtics without Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart, it wasn't much of a game after halftime. Siakam led the team in scoring, and he was the only starter to shoot better than 35% from the floor. Precious Achiuwa added 16 points and seven rebounds off the bench, and Dalano Banton scored 10 points in four minutes, but this was an overall ugly game for the Raptors. |
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Scottie Barnes Scottie Barnes posts 18/8/5/2/1 line vs. Celtics
Wed, Apr 5, 2023, 9:48 PM
Scottie Barnes shot 7-of-13 from the field and 2-of-4 from the foul line in Wednesday's 97-93 loss to the Celtics, accounting for 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, one block, and two 3-pointers in 39 minutes.
Analysis: Barnes is one of three Raptors providing top-25 value in 9-cat formats over the last two weeks, with O.G. Anunoby (12/4/2/4/3 with two 3-pointers) and Pascal Siakam being the others. The second-year wing is providing 7th-round value for the season, which wasn't expected based on Barnes' Yahoo ADP of 44. That said, being ranked just inside the top 80 is not an epic disappointment. Depending on what the Raptors do with their roster this offseason, his ADP should remain within the top 50. |
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Pascal Siakam Pascal Siakam scores 28 with 11 rebounds vs. BOS
Wed, Apr 5, 2023, 9:44 PM
Pascal Siakam played 35 minutes in Wednesday's 97-93 loss to the Celtics, scoring 28 points (10-of-17 FGs, 8-of-8 FTs) with 11 rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Analysis: With Atlanta beating Washington, the Raptors really needed a win in Boston to keep pace for the 8-seed. They failed to get the job done, despite Siakam's efforts, and now the Raptors will need to win out and get some help to avoid the 9/10 game. Siakam's scored 22 points or more in four of his last five games, shooting at least 50% from the field in each of those outings. The exception was Toronto's March 31 loss to the 76ers, when Spicy P shot 5-of-15 from the field and finished with 14 points. Precious Achiuwa chipped in with 16 points, nine rebounds, one block, and one 3-pointer in 20 minutes off the bench. Toronto plays Boston again on Friday before finishing the regular season at home against the Bucks on Sunday. |
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Gary Trent Gary Trent Jr. (back) available Wednesday vs. BOS
Wed, Apr 5, 2023, 5:21 PM
Blake Murphy on Twitter
Gary Trent Jr. (back spasms) is available for Wednesday's game against the Celtics.
Analysis: Trent is available to play for the first time since March 19, so fantasy managers should not expect too much from him as far as playing time is concerned. While Will Barton will take a hit with GTJ back in action, Jeff Dowtin's in a worse position, as he's been made inactive for Wednesday's game. |
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Gary Trent Gary Trent Jr. (back) questionable Wednesday
Wed, Apr 5, 2023, 12:50 PM
NBA Injury Report
Gary Trent Jr (back spasms) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Celtics.
Analysis: Despite being listed as questionable for the past few games, Trent Jr. has yet to suit up. The sharpshooter hasn't played since March 19th and the recent trend would suggest he gets downgraded again closer to game time. |
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Chris Boucher Chris Boucher scores 21 with three Triples vs. CHA
Tue, Apr 4, 2023, 8:25 PM
Chris Boucher shot 6-of-8 from the field and 6-of-7 from the foul line in Tuesday's 120-100 win over the Hornets, scoring 21 points with two rebounds and three 3-pointers in 27 minutes.
Analysis: Boucher may not have provided any defensive production in Tuesday's victory, but he gave the Raptors welcome offensive production off the bench. And it had been a long time since he last scored at least 20 points in a game. This was Boucher's first 20-point effort since November 26, when he put up 22 and 13 boards in a win over the Mavericks. Rostered in 25% of Yahoo leagues, Boucher has value in deep leagues that are still active, as the Raptors will play three more games in Week 24. Pascal Siakam (22/14/4/2/2) led the way offensively while recording a full line, with Will Barton going off for 20 points and six 3-pointers in 20 minutes off the bench. |
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