"Two words that just about every sports fan has said at one point or another: what if. Questions starting with "what if" are often the most thought-provoking because they're typically asked with the power of hindsight in mind. Pondering over alternate outcomes after having lived out one of a seemingly infinite number of scenarios. And for fans of the Toronto Raptors, who've experienced plenty of ups and downs in the franchise's 30-year history, playing that "what if" game could go on for days."
"Some of the more common responses included wanting a redo on: Not re-signing Pascal Siakam or trading him sooner Acquiring Jakob Poeltl for a 2024 first-round pick (No. 8 - Rob Dillingham) Trading Norman Powell for Gary Trent Jr. Acquiring Thad Young for a 2022 first-round pick (No. 22 - Walker Kessler) Acquiring Ochai Agbaji and Kelly Olynyk for a first-round pick (No. 29 - Isaiah Collier)The post-2020 Raptors really like trading away first-round picks..."
"But arguably the most popular response was in reference to the 2020 draft, when the Raptors opted to select Malachi Flynn just one pick before Desmond Bane. And five years later, it's not difficult to see why fans would like a do-over. Flynn has since been traded twice and has suited up for a total of four different NBA franchises while struggling to find a permanent landing spot."
Raptors fans identified multiple transactions from the past decade they would change, with common targets including Pascal Siakam's contract situation and several draft- and player-for-player trades. Suggestions frequently named acquisitions such as Jakob Poeltl, Thad Young, Ochai Agbaji, Kelly Olynyk, and different deals involving Norman Powell and Gary Trent Jr. The single most-cited regret centered on the 2020 draft decision to pick Malachi Flynn one selection before Desmond Bane. Malachi Flynn has been traded twice, played for four NBA franchises, and struggled to secure a long-term role, compiling limited minutes and modest per-game statistics.
Read at Raptors Republic
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