Immanuel Quickley Is Ready To Take A Step Toward Stardom In Toronto

Moving is one of the most tedious things you can ever do in your adult life.

And while NBA players probably have more help than your average Joe moving from team to team, there’s another dynamic that makes displacing your life in professional sports unique. At the drop of a dime, players have to say goodbye to their teammates, pack their bags, and move to an entirely different city, and in the recent case of Immanuel Quickley, a new country.

The blockbuster trade between the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks sent shockwaves throughout the NBA world on New Year’s Eve weekend and while there are many moving parts, it’s hard not to look at this deal as the end of a chapter for both franchises and especially, for the players involved – all of which are relatively young, some with more potential than others, hoping that a fresh, new situation will bring about change…

As one literal door closes, another opens. A chance to begin anew. And no one involved in the 5-player trade may be yearning for that chance more than Quickley.

“I’m always looking every day to try to find something I can get better at,” Quickley told the media in his introductory press conference in the Raptors OVOVO -0.6% Athletic Centre. “That’s just who I am…whether it be basketball or off the court, just find a way to be better.”

The 24-year-old guard out of Kentucky has spent the last 3 seasons blossoming into one of the best bench scorers in the league for the Knicks, but nothing more. Stuck behind New York’s star point guard Jalen Brunson, Quickley saw his minutes dip this season compared to last year when he nearly took home the Sixth Man of the Year trophy.

But his reserve role hasn’t stopped him from expanding his game, especially whenever he’s been provided with more opportunities. For example, Quickley started in 21 games in place of Brunson last season and averaged nearly 23 points while nabbing over 5 rebounds and 5 assists on an efficient 60% true-shooting. Through 30 games this season, he put up 15 points per game in 24 minutes of action on an efficient 45% from the field, 40% from three, and 87% from the free-throw line. His +11 net rating was the best among all Knick players and near the top of the league in terms of overall impact off of the bench.