The Toronto Raptors showed that they could hang with the big boys in the Eastern Conference last NBA season. When many people thought they would be rebuilding, they made a run for the postseason, finishing as the fifth seed. This season, they have their work cut out for them if they want to replicate that success.
Toronto is currently holding the last spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with a 15-18 record. While still a scrappy team, they need an infusion of talent to help them rise back up the standings and improve on the court.
Adding a true center is what many people believe they need most, as Pascal Siakam is currently holding things down in the middle, with Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby at the forward spots. Their lack of size was a glaring weakness last season as the Philadelphia 76ers crushed them on the interior during their playoff series, which remains one this season.
Another area for improvement is that the Raptors need help to score when in half-court sets. They are near the bottom in half-court offense this season, another indicator of a team that will struggle come postseason time as the game slows down and efficiency becomes that much more important.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Toronto Raptors Updates
In need of a shake-up, could a reunion with DeMar DeRozan be the kind of dream trade scenario that unlocks their ability to make another run just as in 2019 when they acquired Kawhi Leonard? While DeRozan isn’t on Leonard’s level, and not many people are, he could have a similar impact given his strengths are exactly what the Raptors need.
Toronto has a strong roster, but they are lacking that go-to No. 1 option. DeRozan could fill that role, having Siakam, Anunoby, Fred VanVleet and Barnes fall into line behind them. We have seen what clear-cut, designated roles can do for teams and players as everyone is afforded the chance to get comfortable and fall into a rhythm.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls & Toronto Raptors Updates
The Chicago Bulls may want to wait to make a trade, but one could eventually come as they are struggling mightily this season. Without much of a path to turning things around, Chicago could opt to shake things up and do a semi-rebuild, looking to reshape the roster around Zach LaVine as he and DeRozan reportedly have mounting tension.
With a major decision looming this offseason as DeRozan will be seeking an extension, the Bulls can extract some value in exchange for him now without dolling out another long-term contract to a player who will be 34 when the 2023-24 season begins. That seems like a better course of action given the current landscape of the team.
