Raptors’ Youth Movement Shows Promise, But Barrett’s Absence Still Looms Large
The Toronto Raptors have been navigating a tough stretch since RJ Barrett went down with a non-contact injury - and the results have been telling. With Barrett sidelined, the Raptors have handed opportunities to several young wings, but so far, no one has truly seized the moment.
Let’s start with Gradey Dick. Now in his third year, Dick was expected to take a step forward, especially with more minutes available.
Instead, he’s struggled to find rhythm or consistency, and his overall impact has been minimal. Ja’Kobe Walter, in his second season, hasn’t fared much better.
Both players have had flashes, but neither has shown the kind of two-way presence or offensive versatility that Barrett brings.
Then there’s Ochai Agbaji, who was given a shot in the starting lineup. While his defense has been serviceable, his overall performance has been underwhelming - especially when you consider the promise he showed last season.
That campaign hinted at a potential rotation-level role player with two-way upside. So far this year, that version of Agbaji hasn’t shown up.
What becomes clear in Barrett’s absence is just how much he brings to the table. None of the current fill-ins can replicate his ability to create off the dribble, get to the free-throw line, or knock down catch-and-shoot threes with confidence.
While Agbaji and Walter might offer a slight edge defensively, Barrett had made noticeable strides on that end before the injury. His presence on both ends of the floor has been missed - and missed badly.
The good news? Barrett appears to be nearing a return.
He’s been participating in pre-game on-court work with assistant coaches, and there’s optimism he’ll be cleared for contact soon. A return around the New Year is on the table, if not sooner.
For a Raptors team that’s been searching for answers on the wing, that’s a much-needed boost.
In a way, Barrett’s time away has also reinforced his value to the franchise. There was offseason chatter about his future in Toronto, with some wondering if he might be on the trade block. That talk has quieted, and for good reason - the Raptors have seen firsthand what life without Barrett looks like, and it’s not pretty.
While Barrett’s return is the short-term focus, the Raptors are also keeping an eye on their long-term core - and their recent draft class is giving them reasons to feel optimistic.
Collin Murray-Boyles, taken in the most recent draft, has already shown he belongs. It’s still early, and his ceiling remains a bit of a mystery, but at worst, he looks like a reliable rotation big who can defend multiple positions. That alone is significant for a rookie.
What stands out most about Murray-Boyles is how NBA-ready he’s looked on the defensive end. He’s physical, rebounds well, and has shot the ball with more confidence than he did in college. Add in some flashes as a passer, and you’ve got a player who’s checking a lot of boxes early.
The challenge? His minutes are limited, largely because of the presence of Scottie Barnes.
It’s not ideal that one of the team’s most promising young players is stuck behind a rising star, but the Raptors need to find ways to get him on the floor - even if that means experimenting with him at center. Given Toronto’s struggles in the frontcourt, it’s a move worth exploring.
Then there’s Alijah Martin, the team’s 39th overall pick. Martin has been lighting it up for Raptors 905, helping lead the G League affiliate to a 16-0 start - the best in G League history - before finally dropping a game in the Winter Showcase final. His numbers have been impressive: 18.8 points per game, strong shooting splits (41% from three, nearly 50% from the field), and a knack for making plays on defense with 2.1 combined steals and blocks per game.
Martin’s emergence is a big win for a Raptors front office that needed to hit on this draft. Toronto doesn’t often find itself picking in the top 10, and they’re hoping not to be back there anytime soon. Finding value in the second round - or even undrafted talent - is crucial for a team trying to build sustainably.
Speaking of undrafted gems, Chucky Hepburn has been another standout for Raptors 905. Signed shortly after the draft, Hepburn has been a defensive force, averaging 2.2 steals per game.
The reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year has also shown impressive playmaking chops, dishing out 9.2 assists per contest. That combination of defense and distribution is rare for a rookie, especially one who wasn’t selected on draft night.
In today’s NBA, where cap space is tight and luxury tax concerns loom large - especially for a team like Toronto - hitting on rookie-scale contracts is more important than ever. Murray-Boyles is already contributing at the NBA level, and both Martin and Hepburn look like they could be next in line. That’s the kind of internal development that can reshape a roster.
So while the Raptors continue to wait for Barrett’s return, they’re also quietly building something intriguing with their young core. The present has been rocky, but the future? It might be brighter than it seems.