The Raptors are on a four-game winning streak, but Goran Dragic has been a DNP-CD in all four games, raising questions about his place on the roster. While the veteran point guard clearly isn’t a long-term keeper for the Raptors, there’s no indication that he’ll be traded or bought out anytime soon, writes Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca.
As Grange explains, it’s too early in the season for any real trade market to develop for Dragic, and it’s unlikely that either the player or the team wants to make significant concessions in a buyout arrangement.
For now then, the two sides remain in an “amicable” holding pattern, says Grange — Dragic will remain on the roster as a respected veteran and talented backup, and his situation will be revisited closer to the February trade deadline.
Here’s more on the Raptors:
- Within the same story, Grange says the Raptors seem likely to cut either Sam Dekker or Isaac Bonga in the coming days. Both players’ salaries for 2021/22 will become guaranteed if they remain on the roster through November 6 and Toronto can duck under the luxury tax line by waiving one or the other. Dekker and Bonga have played a combined eight total minutes this season, and would be pushed further down the depth chart once Pascal Siakam and Yuta Watanabe return from their respective injuries.
- Precious Achiuwa was one of the Raptors’ key offseason acquisitions, but the young center has experienced some growing pains so far this season. As Eric Koreen of The Athletic writes, head coach Nick Nurse benched Achiuwa in favor of backup center Khem Birch to open the second half of the team’s win over the Knicks on Monday. Although Birch doesn’t have Achiuwa’s upside, the veteran has exhibited better fundamentals, playing solid team defense, setting screens, and rebounding.
- Rookie forward Scottie Barnes will miss a second straight game on Wednesday vs. Washington due to a right thumb sprain, tweets Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca.
I would guess Dekker will be the one let go, as he would be a little more redundant after Yuta comes back. There are still a few teams that could use Bonga, if he gets released
I would like to see Banton, Champagnie, and Bonga play more, especially in certain matchups, like tonight, and until Siakam comes back, and also especially without Barnes out there.
Dragic’s situation depends on how much time they give Mykhailiuk, and also what defenders they have available around them. I would always want 2 of FVV, Trent, Dragic, Mykhailiuk, and Watanabe on the floor, in most lineups, or that maybe can be 1 of those guys in certain lineups with Boucher and Anunoby, and when Siakam comes back.
Not sure what Achiuwa’s role will be when Siakam comes back, but their bigs should be determined by matchups, and I would assume Boucher starts, and Siakam and/or Barnes will see a lot of minutes at the 5. I also want to see lineups with Barnes at PG
There is no reason to believe Achuiwa would be better then Birch. He’s just 7 years younger. Birch is a bit bigger, a bit better stats last year… and a lot better stats this year. Smarter, does team stuff.