As the Toronto Raptors try to build competitors in the coming years, their highlights will return to performance at the highest level.
The Toronto Raptors begin putting together pieces for future rebuilds, prioritizing the younger stars.
There’s no doubt that the best player and the guy they’re building is Scotty Burns. The former Rookie of the Year and All-Stars show he can be the highlight of a competitive team.
Scottie Barnes made his first All-Star team in 2024, then did a slight dip in the form of last season.
And with a new roster and direction, the Raptors aim to put Burns in the best possible position possible for success.
During the 2023-24 season, Scotty Burns averaged 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists, creating his first All-Star team.
The following season he dipped as he averaged 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists. Despite his few dips in numbers, he missed the All-Star Game.
As he enters his fifth NBA season, Burns is trying to prove to fans that his All-Star choice in 2024 is not a fluke, and that he is a player who can become an NBA star.
With Brandon Ingram’s score first frontcourt partner, Burns may not get as much touch as he once did. However, thanks to Ingram, he is less defensively careful and makes it much easier to reach the basket.
Given Burns’ ability as Burns and his tricks to using his physicality to reach the basket, he will have more joy as a scorer next season.
As mentioned earlier, the Toronto Raptors don’t expect much to improve their results next season given the status of their roster.
Brandon Ingram is a fan of the Raptors’ roster, but it’s very clear that they’re a weaker side, even considering the depleted nature of the Eastern Conference.
Thus, Burns has the advantage of becoming a star-level player on a team that doesn’t compete at a high level.
Of course, Burns must play for the team’s greatest profit. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t enjoy the opportunity to come his way.