3 biggest things Raptors learned from 2023 NBA Summer LeagueThe Raptors still have some glaring weaknesses and concerns to address after going 0-4 to start the 2023 NBA Summer League.
The Toronto Raptors have gone 0-4 so far in the 2023 Las Vegas NBA Summer League. Toronto dropped their opener 83-74 to the Chicago Bulls, then lost their next game 76-99 to the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers. The Raptors led by as much as 19 points during their game against the Detroit Pistons, but wound up choking the huge lead and losing, 94-90. Finally, they held out rookies Gradey Dick and Markquis Nowell in their loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.
They have another chance to get on the win column as they go up against the similarly winless Golden State Warriors on Saturday. Despite having one game left on the schedule, Toronto's Vegas stint is pretty much done. The Raptors are already out of contention for the Summer League crown and they have essentially waved the white flag after holding out their two rookies against Brooklyn.
Raptors' Fred Vanvleet Opts Out To Test Nba Free Agency
With Summer League about to close, let's take a look back at the Raptors 2023 NBA Summer League and the biggest things they learned in Las Vegas.
As ecstatic as they were to see Gradey Dick in Summer League, Raptors fans will need to exercise patience with their prized rookie.
Dick's stint in the Summer League was subpar, or even underwhelming to say the least. In three games in Vegas, the 19-year-old averaged 14.3 points on just 36.4 percent field goal shooting and 22.7 percent three-point shooting.
Report: Toronto Raptors Sign Freddie Gillespie To Two Year Deal
Dick got off to a slow start, scoring just 10 points on a paltry 3-of-12 shooting to go along with four rebounds, three assists, and three steals versus Chicago. He followed that up with an 11-point outing on 5-of-13 shooting with eight rebounds and four dimes versus the Cavaliers.
Finally, in their game against Detroit, Dick saved his best performance for last with a performance that showcased just why the Raptors were so high on him. Despite the loss, the 6-foot-7 wing tallied 22 points, seven rebounds, and four assists on 8-of-19 shooting. He still struggled from deep but he did most of his damage on the inside with strong drives to the basket and timely cuts to the rim.
All eyes from Toronto were on Gradey Dick during throughout Vegas as Raptors fans were understandably ecstatic to get their first glimpse of their 13th overall pick from the 2023 NBA Draft. Raptors Nation was quick to embrace his energy with open arms and Dick has been reciprocal of the love Toronto fans have been giving him since getting drafted.
If You're Thinking Ahead — Or Dreaming Right Now — Raptors' Og Anunoby Feels Like A Perfect Fit For Sixers
While the love is there, Raptors fans will need to temper their expectations for the kid. He is going to have growing pains and his Summer League stint showed it. Nonetheless, Toronto fans should remain excited to witness his growth and development. It's going to be a bumpy rollercoaster ride to start, but the highs should be more fun than the lows.
Another thing the Raptors learned in Summer League is that three-point shooting is still very much an issue for this squad. As a team, they shot 21.3 percent from long distance, which ranked dead last in Las Vegas.
Toronto was adamant to address that in the NBA Draft when they took Gradey Dick, who is arguably the best shooter in the class. But as noted above, the rookie didn't particularly address their outside shooting concerns as he shot just over 20 percent from deep on over seven attempts per game in three outings.
Nba Draft Lottery: Toronto Raptors Land No. 13
Three-point shooting will likely continue to be a major concern for the Raptors heading into the season. They finished 28th in the league in three-point shooting percentage during the 2022-23 season. While it remains to be seen if Dick's 40.3 percent clip from beyond the arc in Kansas can translate in the NBA, Toronto hasn't done much in free agency either to address their shooting woes.
A rather familiar name played for the Raptors in Summer League and that is 7-foot-2 center Moses Brown. Apart from the Raptors, Brown has played for six other franchises and has largely been a journeyman who is still trying to find his place in the NBA.
In four games with Toronto in Vegas, Brown has averaged 11.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks. The 23-year-old is an intriguing prospect the Raptors can consider giving a look for the main roster as a third big behind Jakob Poeltl and Christian Koloko.
What We Learned About New Raptors Head Coach Darko Rajakovic
Despite the raw shot blocking numbers, Brown's defense is what is preventing him from finding a permanent home in the NBA. He is a usual target in pick-and-roll due to his slow feet and his reaction time needs work. But he does give the Raptors a solid inside presence offensively with his ability to finish consistently at the basket.We've already had one big trade ahead of the deadline, with Kyrie Irving being traded from the Nets to the Mavericks, but it's no secret that the NBA is waiting to see what the Raptors do with Gary Trent Jr., O.G. Anunoby, Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle's C.J. Holmes, the Warriors "made a hard push" for Anunoby, but Masai Ujiri's asking price was too high.
The Warriors made a hard push for Raptors forward OG Anunoby at the trade deadline. However, I'm told Masai Ujiri's asking price was too high. Wanted Jonathan Kuminga, others, plus picks. — C.J. Holmes 🚀 (@CjHolmes22) February 9, 2023 The Raptors decide not to sell
Raptors Guard Fred Vanvleet Signs With Houston Rockets: Report
After the 3:00 p.m. deadline, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted that the Raptors "never turned out to be sellers" and will be left with "some harder decisions" to make in the offseason.
The Raptors never turned out to be sellers, adding Spurs center Jakob Poeltl on deadline day. They'll have to make some harder decisions in the offseason, but Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster tested and learned more about the value of several players. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023 Warriors linked to O.G. Anunoby
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Warriors have emerged as a "pretty serious contender" in the last several days for Anunoby.
Gradey Dick Talks Raptors, Darko Rajaković, Nba Role Models
Western Conference contender has been emerging as a suitor for Toronto's OG Anunoby: pic.twitter.com/kwaDKxjLHp — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 9, 2023 Kevin Durant trade could impact O.G. Anunoby's value
The blockbuster trade that sent Durant from Brooklyn to Phoenix will cause a ripple effect across the rest of the NBA. The stunning deal could "escalate Anunoby's value among Western Conference teams" looking for a forward to defend Durant, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
After losing to the Raptors on Wednesday night, Poeltl should have just stayed in Toronto to start his search for a new home.
How Long Is O.g. Anunoby Out? Wrist Injury Timeline, Return Date, Latest Updates On Raptors Forward
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Raptors are acquiring Poeltl from the Spurs in exchange for Khem Birch, a protected 2024 first-round pick and two future second-round picks. Wojnarowski added that Toronto intends to sign Poeltl to a new contract this summer.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Raptors and Spurs are discussing trade scenarios that would bring Jakob Poeltl back to Toronto.
The Raptors selected Poeltl will the No. 9 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. He played two seasons in Toronto before he was sent to San Antonio as part of the Kawhi Leonard trade.
Raptors: Fred Vanvleet, Pascal Siakam Started Roster Beef
According to The Denver Post's Mike Singer, the Raptors, Pelicans and Timberwolves have "registered some level of interest" in Bones Hyland, who is said to be open to being traded to secure a larger role.
The No. 26 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Hyland is averaging 12.1 points on 39.9 percent shooting through 42 games in his sophomore season. The Nuggets are seeking a two-way rotation player and draft compensation or a first-round pick for Hyland, per Singer.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, VanVleet has been labeled by several opposing executives as the most likely Raptor to be traded ahead of the deadline. In addition to the Clippers and Suns, the Timberwolves, Lakers and Magic have reportedly registered interest in VanVleet.
Toronto Raptors To Play 2023 Exhibition Game At Rogers Arena
Before the Kyrie Irving trade became official, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Nets were "evaluating opportunities" to expand the deal with a third team. He added that many of the conversations in the league were going through the Raptors.
Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes revealed on his "#thisleague UNCUT" podcast with NBA insider Marc Stein that the Pelicans are "definitely high" on Anunoby. He later said that Memphis doesn't want New Orleans to get Anunoby.
"New Orleans and Memphis are two teams that, if they want to get in on Anunoby, either one of those teams could make a really compelling offer, " Stein said.
Nba Free Agency 2023: Rockets Free Agency Was A Mixed Blessing
"And that's where there's some boxing out going on. ... Memphis does not want New Orleans to get O.G., and New Orleans does not want Memphis to get O.G. That is a fact, " Haynes responded.
"When you talk about players being that next step up — we talked about Jae Crowder getting teams to that next step. [Teams] feel that way about O.G. as well. New Orleans feels that way and Memphis feels