"Starting at No. 100 is RJ Barrett, who enters the 2025 season after posting career highs in points, rebounds, and assists. Still, his steep fall from last year's No. 53 ranking shows how much weight ESPN placed on efficiency. If Barrett could bump his free-throw shooting to even 75%, it's easy to imagine him climbing several spots. For now, he just makes the cut."
"At No. 93 is Jakob Poeltl, cracking the top 100 this time after a career year. The big man posted new highs in scoring, rebounding, steals, and free-throw percentage-production that finally earned him recognition after being left off the list a season ago. Brandon Ingram debuts as a Raptor at No. 77. On talent alone, that feels low for a player who's averaged 20+ points in six straight seasons, but availability matters-Ingram played only 18 games last year with New Orleans."
"The highest-ranked Raptor is Scottie Barnes, coming in at No. 30. Barnes followed his 2023-24 All-Star campaign with a more uneven season, where most of his numbers dipped. Even so, he rose slightly from last year's No. 35 slot, showing ESPN still values his upside. With Ingram joining the roster, Barnes may have more freedom to embrace a playmaking role and rediscover his All-Star form."
ESPN's Top 100 list places four Toronto Raptors players among the league's top talents, with Scottie Barnes highest at No. 30. Barnes saw statistical dips after his All-Star 2023-24 season but retained upside and potential for a playmaking role alongside new teammate Brandon Ingram. Ingram debuts at No. 77 despite limited availability last season, suggesting health will determine his impact. Jakob Poeltl earned recognition at No. 93 following career highs in multiple categories. RJ Barrett scraped in at No. 100 after career-best counting stats but decreased efficiency prompted a steep ranking drop. Availability and efficiency remain central to the team's outlook.
Read at Raptors Republic
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]