The Toronto Raptors have four of their five starters locked in for next season. Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett are in the backcourt, while Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl are holding down the frontcourt. That leaves the fifth starting spot, and with the team moving on from Gary Trent Jr, the spot is up for grabs. The Raptors front office is using Summer League as a chance to evaluate some potential starters.
Who Gets The Last Starting Spot In Toronto?
Promising Sophomore
Gradey Dick is an obvious candidate for the last starting spot. Dick was the Raptors lottery pick from the 2023 draft. While his rookie season had ups and downs, he finished strong and showed why he got drafted at 13. At 6’6”, Dick has the positional size to play shooting guard or small forward, allowing the Raptors to switch him and Barrett at the SG or SF positions depending on the matchup. Dick provides needed spacing in the starting five, being a lights-out shooter, especially from the corners where he connected on 46.8% of his threes. Overall, he shot 36.5% from three last season on four attempts per game. Dick has a nice all-around game being a willing rebounder, a solid passer, and a good hustle guy. He does need to improve defensively, but with some more muscle, he should be able to hold up just fine.
Unfortunately, the Raptors won’t be able to evaluate Dick anymore at Summer League, with him suffering an ankle injury in the second game. However, Dick showed an improved handle and playmaking skills in his short time in Vegas.
Third Year’s a Charm
Another former Kansas Jayhawk is in the running for that last starting spot. Ochai Agbaji is entering his third season in the league and was traded to the Raptors last season alongside Kelly Olynyk from the Utah Jazz. Agbaji is on the other side of the spectrum from Dick when it comes to what he brings to the team. Agbaji is a defense-first player who makes a living at that end. He is a good on-ball defender, is very switchable, and brings solid rebounding. He is slightly undersized at 6’5” for an SF, but he makes up for that size difference with strength being built like a running back. Agbaji did get a shot last season in the starting lineup but struggled in that role, being unable to impact the game offensively. Agbaji is getting some runs in the Summer League but, once again is struggling to score.
The Vet
Being so far into the offseason with Bruce Brown still on the roster means he is probably not getting traded. While Brown would be better with a contender, he does a lot of things the Raptors need in their starting lineup. Brown is a good on-ball defender, switchable, and willing to take the toughest matchups every night. Besides his defense, Brown is an excellent rebounder and a good playmaker for his size. He does all the little things you want from your fifth starter. Brown isn’t going to be on the Raptors long-term, and giving him the starting job doesn’t solve the problem. It just kicks the issue down the road for next season and takes away development minutes from the young guys.
Up For Grabs
The Raptors need to figure out who gets that last starting spot on opening night. There is no reason for such a young team to rush that decision. There might still be a move up their sleeve this offseason that solidifies who starts. However, as it stands now, the job is up for the taking, and the field is wide open.
