There were a lot of people that believed the Toronto Raptors weren’t going to win many games this season. The 2021-22 NBA season was looked at as a retooling and rebuilding one for the Raptors, especially after the most accomplished player in franchise history, Kyle Lowry, moved on in the offseason as he was sign-and-traded to the Miami Heat.
Despite that gigantic loss, the Raptors have played some strong basketball this season. Fred VanVleet has taken that next step, taking over as the lead guard. Pascal Siakam has rounded back into shape after injuries slowed him down earlier in the season.
Rookie Scottie Barnes, who many were surprised was selected ahead of Jalen Suggs at No. 4 overall, has been excellent as a two-way player. Gary Trent Jr. has played well and been on an incredible hot streak recently, surpassing the 30-point mark in five consecutive games and knocking down at least five 3-pointers in each contest.
The Raptors are playing great team basketball as they have five players averaging at least 14.6 points per game. Every player averaging at least 16.4 minutes per game is scoring at least 5.3 points per game as well.
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They are surprising a lot of people and are in a position to be buyers at the deadline. Given how youthful the team is, as Goran Dragic is the only player on the roster older than 29-years old, they are in a great position. They can be aggressive now knowing this team isn’t close to reaching its ceiling.
One area the team could use some help is upfront. Upgrading the center position would make them even more dangerous and according to Bleacher Report, one player they have their targets set on is Robert Williams III of the Boston Celtics.
With the Raptors seeking frontcourt help, they have also been linked with Robert Williams. Williams and the Boston Celtics agreed to a four-year, $55 million extension in August.
Bleacher Report also shared that the Toronto Raptors were showing interest in Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers, with Dragic and a first-round pick being the framework of the deal. However, his foot injury has stalled those talks.
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As for Williams, he is having a breakout season with the Celtics. He is cementing himself as one of the premier rim protectors in the league, averaging 2.1 blocks per game. Williams is putting up career-highs across the board averaging 9.8 points on 73 percent from the field, 9.5 rebounds and two assists in 29.6 minutes per game.
Nick Nurse would have to figure out the frontcourt rotation with Williams joining Siakam, Barnes, Precious Achiuwa and Khem Birch, but having too much talent is never a bad thing to navigate. Nurse would assuredly rather have too much than too little talent to fill out his frontcourt rotation.
