Raptors might not have to look far for a major roster move

"RJ Barrett has missed 23 games for the Toronto Raptors this season. In those 23 games, the Raptors have gone an unimpressive 11-12. It is clear that when Barrett sits, the team misses his ability to generate offense and apply pressure at the rim. But when Barrett is healthy, is Toronto maximizing his ability to handle the ball and create his own offense as efficiently as possible?"

"Right now, Toronto's healthy starting lineup features three wings capable of scoring 20 or more points a night: Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Brandon Ingram. On paper, that looks ideal. In practice, early-game possessions can feel crowded, making it difficult for all three, along with Immanuel Quickley, to establish rhythm. Now imagine Barrett checking in for Barnes or Ingram with six minutes left in the first quarter. He is fresh, the opposing defense is already tired, and bench players are about to enter the game."

"Brandon Ingram and Immnauel Quickley are off: In 52 minutes, the Raptors have outscored opponents by 15.86 points per 100 possessions. Scottie Barnes and Quickley are off: In 46 minutes, the Raptors have outscored opponents by 6.79 points per 100 possessions. Barnes and Ingram are off: In 75 minutes, the Raptors have been outscored by 2.0 points per 100 possessions."

RJ Barrett missed 23 games this season and the Raptors went 11-12 without him, revealing reduced offensive generation and rim pressure. Toronto's healthy starters include three wings capable of 20-plus points—Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Brandon Ingram—often crowding early possessions and limiting rhythm, especially with Immanuel Quickley also on the floor. Bringing Barrett off the bench around six minutes remaining in the first quarter would keep him fresh, let him exploit tired defenses and weaker matchups, and better showcase his downhill scoring and playmaking. Lineup data shows Barrett-led bench configurations have produced strong per-100 possession results when other primary scorers sit.

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