State of the Raptors Rebuild + Jimmy Butler’s Next Move
Will and Alex discuss the Raptors’ first year of rebuilding so far, Scottie Barnes’ growth, Darko Rajakovic’s impact, and the team’s path moving forward. Can a top-five draft pick reignite their playoff hopes? Plus, what are fans excited about for the rest of the season? Later, they dive into Jimmy Butler’s breakup with the Heat, explore his fit with potential Western Conference contenders, and rank the most memorable “quitting on your team” moments in recent history.
#raptors #torontoraptors #miamiheat #jimmybutler
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24 Comments
An 8 win team struggling to capture last place; the absolute state of the EC NBA
Knicks wanted to get rid of RJ. The expectation that he would be a core player for us instead doesn’t really make sense.
You don’t make wing players who can’t play defence a core player. Scottie, Gradey and Jakobe are building blocks but I wouldn’t say anyone is truly a core player outside of Scottie (for now).
Its no surprise to hear Darko discussing the need to establish a defensive culture right now, it shows in their game!!! totally clueless on how to defend any team that they play! theres no way u lose by 54 points unless ur competing the dream team! Every post game interview with Darko is all the same Bull shii.
Alex what 3 big contracts are you talking about . RJ has 2yrs/ 52 N left on his contract. He is arguably worth that. IQ is 32.5M the same amount for 5 yrs. This Raps rebuild has young pieces w/ avg 4 yrs & better than those Cavs 3 before DM you are talking about. Cavs has no flexibilty or picks w/ 2yrs guarantee of DM. If they don't get to the ECF at minimum in next 2 yrs DM is gone. Will No we don't know if RJ is here long term. He only has 2 yrs left ln his contract.
Alex finally hit it on the head. I’ve wondered for the longest time if Bobby did one deal and Masai did the other because they were so different.
"Obviously" the defence is trash.
The level of impatience is puzzling to me. Could you give it some time for Christ's sake?
Is it really a “rebuild” when you have a “max player” already signed on your rosters? Alex hit the nail on the head.
Trade Scottie?
why do you think that RJ is guaranteed to be here long term? why are you locking everyone in?
Brown was supposed to be a quick flip, but they failed on that front too.
Scottie is yr 4, he has not shown enough improvement to think he will be all-nba level. He is at best a #2 on a contender.
not will reminding me of my disappointed asian dad (who is also a capricorn) 😭
Scottie is at best a Kevin Love good enough to be the third star on a team, AKA Evan Mobley role can go off any night but much rather him give you 15/5/8 on low shots and great defense.
They played well in the begining of the season but It's been horrendous the last couple of weeks
Get a top 4 pick, give yourself the opportunity to draft a superstar, then build around that player and scottie. Everyone else should not be considered part of the core. The team and fans need to have patience, it's going to take at lleast a few years to start seeing true results.
A lot of these arguments make no sense. The raptors are playing rookies in 44% of the minutes. No team doing that wins. You can objectively have a max player and tank, other teams have done it, look at Philly. RJ and Scottie and among the top players for potential assists, darkos system works, just not with rookies. This whole argument that the raptors should be better, just makes 0 sense to me. There’s no good teams playing a bunch of rookies. Just because you like jakobe doesn’t mean he can outplay players like Cole Anthony, just because you don’t know his name.
We already know that the starting lineup with a healthy team is not good enough.
IQ is an avg defender
Dick below avg defender
RJB below avg defender
Barnes really good defender
Jakob good defender
Teams are and will be picking on Dick and RJB a lot which will force the others to over extend themselves leaving players open for shots.
Also Barnes is going to be a G/SF who initiates a lot of offense. If the Raps get either 1 or 2 pick this year it’s Flagg or Harper…. If they don’t get either or them then they are looking for a 2way Wing/Forward to compliment Barnes with their high pick and a depth player with their second round pick …. In either of those scenarios it will most likely push either Dick or RJB to the bench or traded at some point if the selected player develops.
I like the honesty with these 2 and dissecting what has gone wrong and what raps need to do going forward. Keep going! 👌
alex and will clearly dont like scottie
Wow a « les boys » hockey shirt! Québec repressnt
Here’s a question Will & Alex…what are you selling?
Keep up the great work. I really like the content. I think you’re both understating the injuries. Name other teams that have missed more of their starting five to start the season with a whole new team? Not to mention a very young new team with so many rookies learning the the NBA. I’d say you actually give the starting five a chance to gel with a consistent bench and see what they do. Darko might need an experienced coach to help him coach
Scottie is not a max player. He is a number 2 or number 3 on a championship team.