While the expectations surrounding the Toronto Raptors this season may not be overly high, general manager Bobby Wester still has his own.
Ahead of the team’s season opener on Wednesday, Webster joined Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning on Sportsnet’s The FAN Morning Show to discuss what he’ll be looking for in the 2024-25 season.
The main thing he stressed was the growth of Toronto’s young roster.
“I think you’ll see a lot of new faces and young players that are growing,” said Webster. “Whether it’s Scottie (Barnes) coming off an All-Star season, or, you know, Immanuel Quickley put into a starting role and watching him succeed, Gradey Dick’s coming into his second year after a promising second half to the year last season, RJ Barrett, a local kid who, you know, probably played his best basketball last year after the trade.
“So there’s sort of growth from each player. And I think if it happens collectively, we will see more success on the court. But really, that’s what it is: watching those kids who are 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 grow together. They’ve developed chemistry over the course of the summer, and now it’s time to see it on the court.”
Webster also spoke specifically about Barnes’ development, with the face of the franchise set to take on an even bigger leadership role this year as the team rebuilds.
“You know, he’s a 23-year-old kid, so I always think back to the growth from 19 to 20 and 21 to 22. You can have these sorts of massive years, and it’s not always linear as we know. As you mature, it can happen quicker, and I think that’s what we’re seeing with Scottie off the court. He’s growing up; he’s becoming a leader.
“I think everyone sees (his) emotion on the court, and players and staff want to follow that. As he develops his maturity off the court, you’ll see a more stable Scottie Barnes, and so we’re excited for it. I think, you know, with the contract comes a lot of expectations, and so it’s on us to support him on the court with players that fit, but also off the court so he doesn’t feel a huge brunt of the load. We brought in veterans like Kelly Olynyk and Garrett Temple so they can help him in the locker room, and he can focus on the court, and the ecosystem should run smoothly.”
Barnes set career highs across the board last season, averaging 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, while also competing in his first All-Star Game.
His season ended early after he sustained a fracture to his left hand on March 1, requiring surgery three days later.
Barnes enters this season in the final year of his rookie deal. He signed a five-year, $225 million contract this off-season, set to begin in 2025-26, which could be worth up to $270 million if he meets the requirements for a supermax deal.
When asked if Barnes’ leadership role is more clearly defined now, with big names like OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet having departed the team, Webster said he believes it is.
“When you’re a young player coming up, you’re looking at the leaders in front of you as being the veterans in front of you. And so now it’s a bit more clear. I think we have a group that’s sort of the same age group and generation. They’re into the same things, hanging out off the court, you know, doing their dances and TikToks and what not.
“So it’s fun to see that, and it’s fun to see Scottie at the helm. But you know, there are many forms of leadership. Some guys take on leadership in the locker room, some guys take on leadership by taking guys out to dinner, and some guys take leadership by showing up early in the morning at 8 a.m. for their workout. So it sort of comes in many forms. But yes, on court, Scott will be the fulcrum of the team.”
Catch the Toronto Raptors as they open their season at home Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.