The Raptors have signaled to potential trade partners that they’re interested in upgrading their frontcourt, but they’re not looking to part with current center Jakob Poeltl in a potential deal, reports Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link). Poeltl, who signed an extension in the offseason and will become trade-eligible on January 7, has struggled to perform at his … [Read more...] about Raptors Rumors: Poeltl, Davis, Gafford, Bitadze, Sabonis, More
Raptors Notes: Giannis, AD, Trade Options, Barrett, Battle
The Raptors are one of only seven NBA teams that fully control all of their own future first-round picks, which is why they can’t be ruled out as a potential suitor for Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mavericks big man Anthony Davis, or any other star who comes available in the future, according to Eric Koreen of The Athletic. However, Koreen argues Toronto should avoid … [Read more...] about Raptors Notes: Giannis, AD, Trade Options, Barrett, Battle
And-Ones: Undervalued Players, Calf Strains, Beverley, Morris
John Hollinger of The Athletic lists seven “undervalued” players from around the NBA who are making an outsized impact relative to their contracts. The seven players are specifically “hard-playing, unheralded guys with a little bit of extra edge to them,” as Hollinger puts it. Raptors backup point guard Jamal Shead is the first player listed, which isn’t surprising. As … [Read more...] about And-Ones: Undervalued Players, Calf Strains, Beverley, Morris
Atlantic Notes: Embiid, George, Martin, Wolf, Demin
Joel Embiid has produced well below his career rates for most of the season, but he flashed his former Most Valuable Player form on Friday, pouring in 39 points in the Sixers‘ 10-point win over Indiana. “He’s worked at it,” Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse said, per Tony Jones of The Athletic. “The practices this week have helped. His own individual work away from practice has … [Read more...] about Atlantic Notes: Embiid, George, Martin, Wolf, Demin
RJ Barrett Receives PRP Injection, Out At Least One More Week
Raptors wing RJ Barrett recently received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in his sprained right knee, and while he’s making progress in his recovery, he will be out at least one more week, the team announced on Monday (Twitter link via Marc J. Spears of Andscape). As Spears notes, Toronto hosts New York in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup on Tuesday, and the Raptors will … [Read more...] about RJ Barrett Receives PRP Injection, Out At Least One More Week