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5 Roster Moves The Toronto Raptors Need To Make

By Matthew Hallett

Apr 1, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) and guard DeMar DeRozan (10) look on during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Toronto beat Memphis 99-95. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) and guard DeMar DeRozan (10) look on during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Toronto beat Memphis 99-95. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) celebrates a basket with Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the fourth quarter in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) celebrates a basket with Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the fourth quarter in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Sign a backup center

This may sound like a crazy statement with how well Bismack Biyombo has played in the playoffs with Jonas Valanciunas out with injury. However, Toronto does not have huge cap space and also does not own Biyombo’s Bird rights.

They are forced to make a choice between two players with player options.

Do they pay Biyombo, a backup center who can make major money on this deal, or do they pay one half of their All-Star backcourt? The choice is pretty simple, DeRozan over Biyombo.

So unless Biyombo sees that Toronto is going to the NBA Finals next year and signs at a heavily discounted rate, Toronto is looking for a backup big man.

I would love to see Joakim Noah head over the border. He had an injury plagued 2015-16 season, playing just 29 games. In 21.9 minutes per game, he had 4.3 points, 8.8 rebounds 3.8 assists and 1.0 blocks per game.

The former Defensive Player of the Year would bring leadership and defensive intensity with him. Noah has been linked to other teams but Toronto would be able to push a potential Finals appearance.

Another player who would serve Toronto well is Ian Mahinmi. On a team last year that was looking for an identity in Indiana, Mahinmi had a career year.

Indiana basically started him because of a lack of choices and in 25.3 minutes he had 9.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.

There are several other centers in free agency. Zaza Pachulia would add experience and defense. Timofey Mozgov would also add another defensive presence in the middle.

Next: Improve the perimeter shooting

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