In a couple of days a quarter of the 2024-25 NBA regular season will already be in the books, so now’s a good time to catch up with how notable former Raptors are doing. A few have had big impacts with their new teams, while others have barely moved the needle. Here’s a summary:
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THE STARS:
Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers:
Indiana has been a disappointment so far, starting just 9-10, but don’t blame Siakam. The two-time All-NBA forward is shooting career-best marks of 55% from the field and 44.4% from three (on nearly twice as many attempts as when he first joined the Pacers). With Tyrese Haliburton struggling, Siakam has had to step up and has. Some would argue integrating Siakam has changed the way Indiana plays somewhat (not as fast, with more isolation) to their detriment, but they needed someone as good as him and should figure it out.
OG Anunoby, New York Knicks:
Anunoby could be on the way to his first all-star appearance and at the least, his first All-Defensive first team nod. He just scored a career-best 40 points, before following up with a 3-for-15 stinker, but is averaging 18.4 points (his previous high was 17.1 in 2021-22). New York is looking good and Anunoby has been a key, especially with newcomer Mikal Bridges being a massive disappointment to this point.
Everyone is happy with the deal that sent Anunoby to New York (except for maybe Precious Achiuwa, who has missed the entire season due to injury). RJ Barrett has played well, Immanuel Quickley got a big contract and has shown plenty of promise when healthy and Toronto also got the draft pick that became Jonathan Mogbo in the trade.
Norman Powell, Los Angeles Clippers:
The former Bench Mob mainstay was having a spectacular campaign before suffering a hamstring issue. With Kawhi Leonard hurt and Paul George gone, Powell has stepped up, averaging 23.3 points (he averaged only 13.9 last year), on ridiculous 48.7% three-point shooting. Powell finished fourth in Sixth Man of the Year voting in each of the last two seasons, but has to have established himself as a starter at this point. The Raptors made a mistake dealing him for Gary Trent Jr. and should have just paid him.
Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets:
At 14-6, Houston is one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. The franchise finally found its post-James Harden footing after years in the wilderness in 2023-24, but has taken another step forward. The play of the team’s young talent has been the biggest factor in the rise, but don’t discount the impact of veterans VanVleet and Canadian Dillon Brooks either. While their shooting numbers might not look great, they are tough and strong leaders, like head coach Ime Udoka. VanVleet has been streaky offensively and is down to an ugly 32% from three, but his play-making has been as good as ever and his defence has been excellent.
THE REST:
Kyle Lowry, Philadelphia 76ers:
If Houston has been an unexpected positive story, Philadelphia has been an equally surprising disaster. That’s not Lowry’s fault. George, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid have been hurt, now Lowry is banged up too (he’s missed four straight games) and the vibes there are very bad.
Lowry will turn 39 in March and might finally be fading (don’t tell him I said that), with his worst shooting since his rookie season. He could still contribute in a limited role though and likely will shift to the bench with the strong play of rookie Jared McCain.
Gary Trent Jr., Milwaukee Bucks:
Trent couldn’t find a payday and landed with the Bucks on the cheap, reuniting with old Portland friend Damian Lillard. The team started 1-6 and moved Trent to the bench (much more than his play was holding them back) and he’s responded with a strong stretch (other than Tuesday at Miami), helping the Bucks get the ship moving in the right direction. Oddly, Trent’s shooting 52% on three-pointers at home, just 21% on the road.
Jonas Valanciunas, Washington Wizards:
It’s tough too see Valanciunas in this situation. Washington is the worst team in the league and is mostly bringing him off the bench (just two starts in 17 appearances) because No. 2 pick Alex Sarr needs ample playing time. He’s still productive and signed to a very friendly contract, so expect the Wizards to sell Valanciunas to the highest bidder at the trade deadline. Hopefully he gets a shot at a title.
Christian Koloko, Los Angeles Lakers:
Koloko isn’t playing much, but the important thing is Koloko was able to resume his career after blood clots kept him out for parts of two seasons.
Dalano Banton, Portland Trail Blazers:
The Toronto native appears to have found a home with Portland. After averaging some inflated numbers for an injury-decimated team last season, Banton is playing half as much, but delivering with far better shooting. That includes 39% work on three-point attempts. If he can stay anywhere close to that number, Banton should stick around the NBA for a long time. Not bad for a 46th overall draft pick.
@WolstatSun