Failing to retain at least one of Serge Ibaka or Marc Gasol during the 2020 offseason is turning out to be a “rare misplay” by the Raptors‘ front office, according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca. As Grange points out, Toronto has been one of the NBA’s worst defensive rebounding teams, and the overall team defense has slipped to the middle of the pack after ranking within the top five in each of the last two years.
League sources tell Grange that the Raptors don’t actually have much interest in pursuing Cavaliers center Andre Drummond, but he acknowledges that it makes sense that Drummond was linked to Toronto, given the team’s deficiencies in the middle and on the glass.
As Grange writes, the Raptors will face some tough decisions in the coming weeks and months as they try to determine how to address the center position and figure out whether Kyle Lowry and Norman Powell, who are both eligible for free agency at season’s end, will be a part of their future.
Here’s more from around the Atlantic:
- Raptors forward OG Anunoby, who returned on Tuesday after missing 10 games with a calf strain, showed why the team was willing to lock him up to a lucrative long-term extension prior to the season, making an impact on both ends of the court in the team’s win over Milwaukee, writes Blake Murphy of The Athletic. Interestingly, Anunoby replaced Aron Baynes – not Powell – in the starting lineup as Toronto opted for a small starting lineup with Anunoby and Pascal Siakam at the four and five.
- With center Mitchell Robinson on the shelf, the Knicks have had internal talks about big man Norvel Pelle, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post. However, New York has a full roster and would have to waive a player to make room for someone like Pelle, who will be a free agent on Thursday if he clears waivers after being cut by Brooklyn.
- Tyler Johnson appeared in only seven of the Nets‘ first 24 games, logging over seven minutes in just one of them. However, he has reclaimed a rotation role in the team’s star-studded backcourt as of late, averaging 8.3 PPG on .486/.480/1.000 shooting in Brooklyn’s last six games (19.3 MPG). “I just love him as a person and a player, his competitive spirit is outstanding,” head coach Steve Nash said of Johnson, per Brian Lewis of The New York Post. “He’s been making some shots as well, and he’s very capable offensively, of course. But just that competitive nature I think is really important for our group.”
The Brooklyn Nets need a Center or a big Forward who can consistently make defensive stops all over the court. With the performances of Shamet, Tyler Johnson, and TLC, the Nets can probably get away with trading Joe Harris in March for that guy who can defend, especially in the Playoffs
Bulls would happily take Harris in return for Thad Young, although they would miss his veteran presence. If there is needed salary ballast, we can throw in Luke Kornet and a bag of chips.
Interesting trade proposal. Harris would address some MUCH needed shooting from the wing. Maybe give them Valentine and Thad Young for Harris and 2nd round pick? The problem with Harris is that his contract is astronomical and he’s not particularly athletic. We lack athleticism besides Lavine and Williams. Harris would be nice but I rather trade Thad Young for a guy like Devontae Graham. Sure he’s a bit undersized but he can facilitate and has a nice feel for the game. His contract is dirt cheap so Charlotte would probably want a protected 1st probably in 2022 or 2023. Slot Coby to a Ben Gordon role, and make Graham the starter? I’m okay with that.
Def interesting idea, they dont need a lick more of offence so I agree…only thing with me would be; You had to get back someone who was at least locked in for 22 as well; They will be hard capped and I dont believe they “need ” to shed the salary for financial purposes in the first place. They have a tough time moving forward outside the big 3 ofc.
I don’t think there’s a chance the Nets move Harris. He’s invaluable to their stars as their only uber floor spacer with the BB IQ to finish games with them. Other guys may hit shots, or not, but they won’t draw the attention he does in big spots.
The defensive issues are real, and many, but the only player who could really help (because you can’t help on the bench) would have to be a real defensive C who could contribute enough offensively to stay on the floor for 30 min and finish games. He would have to create an upgrade from Durant and Green as the 4-5 combination finishing games. Both of those guys are still elite individual defenders, particularly at PF, even if they’re a little long in the tooth. So, he needs to be a true rim protector, who pushes Green to the bench, or to the 4, with Durant going to the 3. I don’t see that guy being available via trade at all, particularly for Harris who’s more valuable to the Nets than another team.
Meanwhile Wendell Carter Jr had 3 rebounds today in 27 minutes against the Pistons. White had more rebounds. Tomas had the same exact rebounds. My question is this, for all the people in here who rave about WCJ potential, he is nothing more than a glorified Francisco Ezeli with semi decent mobility.
If Reddick is bought out and goes to Brooklyn then Joe Harris might become available.
knicks dont need a big now, mitch wiil be back after ASG. Till there noel, Gibson, randle and toppin are all we need
Yeh, Noel has looked good and Gibson is steady.
Knicks shouldnt even trade off if they are not getting good to great offers –
I wouldn’t trade Noel for the 57th pick next year personally with how my draft assets locked in already next couple years
If theres something that comes across their plate that makes perfect sense by all means, but I wouldnt be setting agendas today on what they have/cant do by the break. Doing nothing would be perfectly fine like you said
How OG Anunoby could sneak that baby cow on to the court, let alone, permit it to be injured will remain a MYSTERY.
Raps could use Horford. I Don’t know how to get him there & I wouldn’t squander any assets Lowry may return on Horford.
Siakam & Anunoby will usually outperform Siakam & Baynes. But the Raps should not waste that combo on RS games, even though both signed for a while and will stay there.
Even winning in the PS means being able to stretch a series to 7 games… their center gap isn’t filled by Anunoby.
Boston: Lowry
Toronto: Hill, Horford
OKC: Kemba Walker, Aaron Baynes
Depends a lot on Bostons value of Lowry & OKC believing in Walker being a good long term fit next to SGA.
Overall I think all teams benefit. Boston could win a title. Raps continue playoff run & stay competitive this season. OKC flips a much older Hill & Horford for a younger & decent Robin to SGA’s Batman.
Toronto, could possibly sign Lowry back in the offseason, OKC could find a trade partner for Walker easier than Horford or Hill, Boston has cap to work with if Lowry doesn’t stay on & also if he does stay. Some 2nds could get thrown around maybe too. Maybe even a 1st?
Doubt something this radical happens mid-season, but thought it was worth a shot at getting Horford to Toronto.
TORONTO says no! Matter fact…hell no!
Blake for Horford sounds ideal.
All the raptors need to do is to sign Dedmon or Skal Labissier. If it’s any trade that they should make it should be for Bamba(who will finally shine), or a guy like Richaun Holmes; who the kings will likely let walk in the off season…
Blake Griffin has been outed for not being able to jump to block a shot or dunk.
There is no way Griffin has anywhere near the value Horford is has. Which is a pretty aolid season when he plays.
I’m just saying. That’s the most the pistons would get in a return for Horford. Nobody in their right mind is going to send a ton of assets for Griffin, even the best expiring contracts aren’t worth it!
True. I have Westbrook, Wall, Griffin, Drummond, Love, Conley as the worst active contracts of 20-21.
Batum’s deal is #1 the worst in my opinion, since its 100% dead cap & he’s also earning a paycheck from another team. (While playing terrific. Who knew?)