Toronto Raptors: 5 reasons for blowing it up

5. Small-ball era

Never has the diminishing value of the traditional big man been more evident than the 2016-17 season. In the Raptors’ case, fifth-year center Jonas Valanciunas was the poster child for this movement. The former No. 5 overall pick averaged 25.8 minutes per game this season, the lowest number since his rookie season. In the playoffs, this number dropped even further to 22.6 per game.

Still just 25, Valanciunas’ present contract runs until the end of the 2018-19 season, with a player option for the following a season. His numbers this season of 12.0 points and 9.5 rebounds on 55.7 percent shooting are quite solid on paper. On a per-36 minute basis, this equates to 13.2 rebounds per game, which is quite impressive.

But the basic on/off numbers tell another story. Here is how the Raptors’ output compares when Valanciunas was on and off the court this season.

Offensive rating:

• On court:  109.6
• Off court:  110.0

Defensive rating:

• On court:  107.2
• Off court:  102.4

Despite Valanciunas being a solid and efficient low post scorer, it’s the other areas of his game that come back to hurt the Raptors. With the rapid rise of the three-point shot as a weapon on the offensive end, Valanciunas’ lack of quickness and mobility makes it increasingly difficult for both himself and the team to cover the increasing numbers of stretch-5’s throughout the league.

For instance in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ recent playoff sweep of the Raptors, the Cavs’ ability to play either Kevin Love or Channing Frye at the center position makes Valanciunas’ role on the floor close to untenable.

Although this is the case, Valanciunas has undeniable talent. Still young and with a team friendly contract locked down, it wouldn’t surprise if some teams around the league expressed their interest in the Lithuanian native.

Suggestion

Trade Valaniunas to the Boston Celtics for Jae Crowder and Tyler Zeller.

The Celtics’ struggles on the boards this season has been well documented, ranking 27th this regular season. Valanciuinas would provide a great option for Boston, with his age (25) and contract ($15.4 million next season) very team friendly. Meanwhile Gordon Hayward could fill the gap on the wing as a free agency signing this summer.

Crowder provides the Raptors with an exceptional presence on the perimeter defensively, while also presenting as a legitimate perimeter threat offensively, converting at a 39.8 percent clip from behind three. Also, his remaining contract (three-years, $21.9 million) represents outstanding value.

Zeller, on the other hand, has his contract expiring at the end of 2017-18 and is a solid filler in the meantime. Click here to see how this trade pans out.