Who is the biggest question mark in the Raptors starting five? I am sure people have many opinions about this. I am sure some think it is Scottie Barnes, or Brandon Ingram. Others might think it is RJ Barrett or Jakob Poeltl. But for me it is Immanuel Quickley and it is not even close. The team has invested heavily in him to be their starting point guard. He is in the first year of a deal that will pay him over $32 million dollars per year for the next four years. That shows that the team is confident that he is the answer at point guard. But is he?
Who is the Biggest Question Mark in the Raptors Starting Five? 3 Concerns
I have three concerns. The first is that is he really a starting caliber player? When he was on the New Knicks where he came off the bench. He was highly effective as a spark plug. He would routinely dominate the opposing team’s back up players. However, the Knicks did not want to pay Quickley the money he wanted. Why? Because they did not view him as a starting caliber guard. However, Toronto thinks he can be and so far it has been a mixed bag. But a lot of that has to do with the various injuries Quickley has had since he has been a Raptor. This season we will get our answer if he is a starting caliber point guard.
Second, is he a shooting guard or a point guard? I am not sure. Quickley does get assists but he is a shoot first guard. He can effective at times doing this. But he is a little short for a shooting guard. As a point guard, he is getting better at passing the ball. However, he doesn’t see the floor as a point guard. His passes or more reactionary then planned. Also, Scottie Barnes has more natural passing instincts and do you want the ball out of his hands? This question will be answered.
Finally, can he defend? Most people thought he could as he played on the Knicks. But his defense since he has been in Toronto has been pretty disappointing. This is especially his point of attack defense. It seems like opposing point guards have no trouble in getting by Quickley which compromises the defenese. Perhaps injuries were a factor but hopefully he can greatly improve.
Conclusion
Will Immanuel Quickley improve his play this year? If he does, the Raptors will be a top six team in the eastern conference. They will be a threat to beat anybody. Also, the money they invested in him will look like a bargain. However, if he doesn’t improve, the Raptors might be fighting for a play in position or worst. If that is the case, then the team might have to pivot away from Quickley and start to look for cheaper and younger options. This is a very important year for Quickley to show that he is indeed a starting caliber point guard. Hopefully he shows us all just that.
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