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The Raptors have been known for acquiring distressed assets. Will history repeat itself with Ja Morant said to be on the trade block?
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Published Jan 15, 2026 • 4 minute read
Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during overtime against the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this season.
Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during overtime against the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this season. Getty Images
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Enough time and plenty of games have elapsed to categorically state that Immanuel Quickley is a flawed point guard.
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When he’s getting out in transition and fully taking advantage of his biggest strength, he can be explosive and effective, whether it’s attacking the rim or finding teammates.
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In the half court, he can make threes when he’s playing off the ball, even though he does have an inconsistent jumper — as does most of his teammates not named Brandon Ingram.
Injuries have taken a toll on the Raptors’ roster to the point where only 10 bodies were available Wednesday night when Toronto faced an Indiana Pacers team that would put a scare into the Raptors.
In the wake of injuries, the Raptors have gone with a two-point-guard look in their starting unit with Jamal Shead joining Quickley. At times, Shead has looked better than Quickley.
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While Quickley can go off at any moment when the ball is in his hands, his defence isn’t one of his strengths.
Shead is a ball hawk who will get up on his man and make life uncomfortable.
For now, the Raptors have been able to manage at the point — but for how long?
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Quickley tends to shoot far more often than he looks to dish off, being prone to heave shots early in the shot clock.
Shead is emerging, but it’s too soon to give the second-year pro the reins to the offence. He too also has an inconsistent jumper.
Inconsistent Jumper
With the Pacers making it a four-point game with just under five minutes to play, it was a Shead three-ball — his first of the night — that helped stem the tide. Then came Ingram’s offensive flare as he drained two successive threes.
Toronto earned a 115-101 victory, but here’s the rub: After leading 39-18 after the opening 12 minutes, the Raptors went on to lose every quarter to the Pacers.
The Raptors also would lose Jamison Battle, who was thrust into the starting unit with the likes of RJ Barrett (ankle), Jakob Poeltl (back), Sandro Mamukelashvili (illness), Quickley (back spasms), Garrett Temple (back spasms) and Ja’Kobe Walter (hip pointer) out.
Battle gave the Raptors 20 minutes before spraining his ankle and subsequently was ruled out from returning.
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It has become quite obvious the Raptors’ success hinges on how well Ingram plays in combination with Scottie Barnes’ dominance.
Barrett has looked the part of the third option, but everything falls into place when Ingram and Barnes are at their best.
On Wednesday, Barnes assumed the role of playmaker. In one of his finest games, he was aggressive in taking his man off the dribble and finding teammates.
Season-high Assists
On the night, he set a season high by recording 13 assists, marking the third time he has reached double digits in dishes.
During his time in Toronto, Barrett has been asked to run the point when injuries struck. He accepted the challenge, but it was painfully clear Barrett was not suited to the role.
The Raptors don’t have a major problem at the point position, but an upgrade wouldn’t hurt. Given the financial commitment the Raptors made to Quickley, it would be somewhat shocking if the club moves on from him as the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches.
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Also remember that many in basketball felt the Raptors were too quick in extending Quickley, raising doubts as to whether any suitor would even emerge if the Raptors do in fact dangle him.
The NBA’s silly season, with trade speculation in full throttle. When Atlanta was in town, word spread that the club and all-star point guard Trae Young had come to the realization that a parting of the way was best for both parties. Almost immediately, Young was dealt to Washington.
The latest point guard in the trade cross-hairs is Ja Morant.
Put aside his off-court antics and suspect shooting, but not many attack the rim like him and very few apply pressure on opposing defence like Morant, who was selected by Memphis one slot before the Knicks took Barrett in a 2019 draft class headlined by first-overall pick Zion Williamson.
What are insiders saying?
It’s clear Morant needs a change of scenario. Not surprisingly, his name is being linked to the Raptors by some industry voices, but how legitimate this talk is remains to be seen.
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It does create a conversation about Raptors point guards, though.
The poster child for the distressed assets is Kawhi Leonard, whose Los Angeles Clippers make their lone appearance in Toronto on Friday night, the Raptors’ final home game before they head West on a five-game trip.
The Clippers have rebounded with a wretched 6-21 start by winning 11 of their past 13 games heading into Friday night’s tip.
The Clippers also feature a score-first point guard in James Harden, who earlier this week usurped Shaquille O’Neal for ninth place on the league’s all-time scoring list.
Should the Raptors make a move to upgrade their point guard position or do they stand pat?
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[Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, right, is fouled by Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026.
Raptors drain three late three-pointers to defuse Pacers comeback, hang on for road win](https://torontosun.com/sports/basketball/nba/toronto-raptors/undermanned-raptors-outpace-the-indiana-pacers)
2. [Former voice of teh Toronto Raptors Chuck Swirsky shares a laugh with Courtney Triano, daughter of former assistant coach Jay Triano, in 2004.
Former Raptors announcer Chuck Swirsky slammed as a 'rat' by Chicago radio host](https://torontosun.com/sports/basketball/nba/toronto-raptors/chuck-swirsky-slammed-chicago-radio-host-rat)
So much rests on Quickley’s shoulders. He was the player many felt would best complement Barnes, but it has been proven to be false.
Quickley has had his moments, but he needs to be much more consistent, both in his shot selection and in his decision-making.
Barnes was able to impose his will Wednesday because the Pacers aren’t good, but Toronto’s competition is getting better.
Barring a complete implosion, the Raptors will appear in the post-season.
Point play is crucial, but it is an area that needs to be better, whether it’s internal or looking outside the organization.
fzicarelli@postmedia.com
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