The Toronto Raptors have finally embraced their future by trading away OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam before the trade deadline. After years of mediocrity, the Raptors have handed the keys of the franchise to Scottie Barnes. Barnes had a strong start to the 2023-24 NBA season, making it easier for the Raptors to kickstart their rebuild by parting ways with their veterans. This weekend, Barnes will be making his first All-Star appearance in Indianapolis, which is expected to be an exciting moment for the young forward. While this early All-Star recognition bodes well for his future, it is just the first step towards Barnes’ ultimate goal of winning a championship with the Raptors.
Barnes recently shared his reaction to playing in his first All-Star Game, expressing that while making a name for himself is important, his ultimate goal is to win a championship with the Raptors. This mindset demonstrates his understanding of what truly matters in the NBA. However, it may take several years for Toronto to catch up to the rest of the Eastern Conference, as teams like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers are well-positioned to compete for years to come. Additionally, under-the-radar teams like the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are also emerging as potential contenders. While Barnes has the potential to contribute to a championship team, the path to achieving that goal is a long one.
According to the Source thecoldwire.com