Two Toronto Raptors Make List Of Players With Highest Offensive Rating During the Preseason

The Toronto Raptors are looking ready to make a serious bid for the Eastern Conference this season following a very promising preseason despite what their 2-3 record might have shown.

As a result, guard Immanuel Quickley and forward Scottie Barnes secured spots on Kalshi Hoops' list of players with the highest offensive rating based on their strong preseason performances.

Quickley topped the list, earning a 138.6 rating above Desmond Bane of the Orlando Magic's 134.8. On the other hand, Barnes ranked fifth with a 127.2 score that barely trailed Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Atlanta Hawks' 127.5.

While the level of play in the preseason is significantly different from that of the regular season, Quickley and Barnes are shaping up to be key contributors in a Raptors offense led by superstar Kawhi Leonard.

Barnes is coming off an impressive year that saw him average 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game while shooting an efficient 50.7% from the field. Quickley put up solid numbers as well, recording 16.4 points, four rebounds and matching Barnes' assist average.

Quickley kept up the pace during Toronto's preseason, logging double-digit points in two out of the four games he played. He had his best showing yet in the team's narrow loss to the New York Knicks last Thursday, scoring 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting and collecting five rebounds. He also contributed with seven assists and made one steal.

The 25-year-old Barnes is entering his sixth season and could take a noticeable step forward this year, wrapping up his preseason with a 23-point night in which he also collected three rebounds.

He should also be poised for a great season defensively after experiencing the pain of not making the top 10 for the 2027 NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds. Barnes finished last year with career highs in blocks and steals, tallying 116 and 114 in the respective categories.

Furthermore, the acquisition of Leonard means that Quickley and Barnes won't have to do everything themselves. The 35-year-old concluded his time as a Los Angeles Clipper averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists across 65 games, the most he played since missing 45 in the prior season.

Through only two preseason games, Leonard proved that he's still the guy Toronto had during their magical 2019 title run. 

Wednesday's opener against the Chicago Bulls will give the trio another opportunity to build their chemistry, especially during meaningful minutes against opposing starting lineups.