RAPTORS REPORT CARD: Unacceptable effort at home vs. awful Grizzlies

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Masai Ujiri warned us there would be days like this. An absolute stinker of a performance by the Raptors against a short-handed Memphis Grizzlies team.

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Unacceptable effort. Not enough energy or concentration, way too much talking with the referees. The definition of a countdown to the all-star break game, even though it’s weeks away.

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The three days of practice on the way are desperately needed.

Here’s the report card:

RJ BARRETT: A

Barrett has been outstanding since joining the Raptors. He has been the one consistent amongst all of the losses and streaky play of most of his teammates. He said post-game he hasn’t changed anything since leaving the Knicks, but credited Toronto’s system as a great fit for his game. Barrett even hit 5-of-6 free throws and was thrilled about that.

SCOTTIE BARNES: B-

How can a 22-12-8-6 game merit this grade? Well, I didn’t like the way Barnes started. He lacked pop early and seemed distracted. He was also pretty invisible when the Grizzlies pulled away and turnovers continue to be a significant problem. Barnes has averaged 3.2 turnovers a game in January, he only averaged 1.9 in November. Barnes has 26 turnovers over his past six games.

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THAD YOUNG: B-

The veteran deserves a lot of credit for stepping in and producing. He’s playing out of position, giving up a ton of size, but he gives his all. Jakob Poeltl is tremendously missed and Young is doing his best. It isn’t enough, but he should be commended for what he’s managing to do in a tough situation.

BRUCE BROWN: B-

Another steady, good outing from Brown. He doesn’t really stand out, he just gets the job done. Not a lot of mistakes, no flash, but production. You can see why he fits so well on a good team, like a Kentavious Caldwell-Pope or an Aaron Gordon. Hey, those Nuggets were pretty good.

IMMANUEL QUICKLEY: C-

This might be a generous grade, but it takes into account that Quickley was a lot better following as bad a first quarter as you will ever see. He still managed to hand out 10 assists and didn’t commit a turnover in the second half. The Raptors desperately want Quickley to launch more three-pointers, but so far he has been unselfish to a fault. That’s going to have to change because he’s wasting his skills not letting it fly. Embrace your inner Steph Curry or Damian Lillard, Immanuel.

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DENNIS SCHRODER: C-

Schroder is in a rough place right now. Followed up his worst game of the season with another tough one. He forced the issue too much and just didn’t have it. He at least started the game decently.

GARY TRENT JR.: D+

Trent isn’t exactly raising his trade value. He traditionally has been productive as a starter, but that hasn’t been the case recently. Trent had very little impact in this game. It will be interesting to see if he gets moved or not. It appears opting in to this year of his contract was a bad decision, because he has not made himself any money this season.

INC: GRADEY DICK, JONTAY PORTER, CHRIS BOUCHER

THREE STARS

1. Jaren Jackson Jr.

2. RJ Barrett

3. Luke Kennard

HM: Vince Williams, Scottie Barnes

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