The Toronto Raptors have had a revolving door of players this season, although they don’t hold the record for the most players used in a season — that dubious honor goes to the injury-plagued Memphis Grizzlies. Still, the Raptors have seen 30 different players hit the court this year.
Looking ahead to next season, assuming the Raptors have better health and fewer roster changes, they’ll likely tighten their rotation significantly. Many of the players who got minutes this year won’t return, and those who do might find themselves with limited playing time.
While some players capitalized on increased opportunities to showcase their value to the team, others failed to impress. Let’s examine three players who filled roles towards the end of the season and explore why they’re unlikely to see more playing time next season.
First up is Jalen McDaniels. The Raptors bolstered their squad with several role players in the offseason, aiming to strengthen their competitive edge alongside key players like Pascal Siakam, OG Anunonby, and Scottie Barnes. Despite these efforts, the team fell short of expectations, prompting them to make changes. Amidst these adjustments, some role players remained on the roster, including McDaniels.
Acquired from the Charlotte Hornets, McDaniels had shown promise early in his career but struggled during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers last season. Although largely unremarkable for much of this year, injuries forced McDaniels into action, where his performance was lackluster.
In his 48 appearances for the Raptors this season, McDaniels has averaged just 3.3 points per game, with nearly as many turnovers as assists and a poor 3-point shooting percentage of 16.2. While he’s a decent defender, his offensive output doesn’t justify his place in the rotation. Despite having another year left on his contract, McDaniels is unlikely to see significant playing time next season unless there’s another emergency situation.
