The Toronto Raptors should keep Landry Fields

If you are looking for an explanation of how to catapult the Toronto Raptors into playoff contention via a trade or free agency, you should stop reading this right away. Instead, this post is about a much smaller subject. This subject will not turn the tides for the Raptors either way. He will not win or lose many games for any team in the NBA next season, but he does have the potential to help out the Raptors in a small but important way. This subject is Landry Fields, who is going to be a free agent this summer.

Let’s be clear, Fields was not a regular contributor for the Raptors this season, or any season really. He played in 26 games in this year’s regular season and none in the playoffs. When he missed games, it was hardly ever due to injury. Instead, head coach Dwane Casey either did not need him or did not know how to use him. To be fair, Fields is somewhat of an anomaly in the NBA.

After successful rookie and sophomore seasons with the New York Knicks, Fields signed a fat $18,750,000 contract with the Raptors for three years of service. Then, he promptly began to have serious problems with his right elbow. Fields underwent a couple of surgeries, which left him without the ability to shoot with any semblance of accuracy. So, what does a shooting guard do when he can’t shoot? He sits.

Just thinking about this Toronto Raptors collapse and realizing Landry Fields is their third highest-paid player.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) April 25, 2015

But, Fields wasn’t just a one trick pony prior to his injury. Fields is a defensive asset with the ability to cover small forwards and shooting guards. His defence gives him life in the NBA, because it makes him suitable as a role player, to be used in specific moments against specific players. Whatever minutes Fields gets, his commitment has always been to play hard and do whatever it takes to help his team win. This year, his grit earned him nine starts in lieu of the injured DeMar DeRozan. Though he never played starters minutes, he was given some momentary trust. Fields should not be a starter for the Raptors, but he should be re-signed and used as a defensive difference maker against tough players. He does not need to play every game, or even half the games. But, having him around could have some positive effects for the Raps. Plus, GM Masai Ujiri can get him for cheap.

Landry Fields is versatile: starting, AND inserted into garbage time minutes.
— (((Eric Koreen))) (@ekoreen) December 13, 2014

Fields seems to enjoy playing (or sitting) in Toronto. In addition, he won’t exactly have a bevy of teams knocking on his door this summer. For these reasons, the Raptors could likely sign him to a one-year contract for $1,100,602, which is the minimum for a five-year veteran. Fields should continue to be a defensive asset for the Raptors for another season, despite falling into the bargain bit.

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