Raptors’ roster rebuilt by Masai Ujiri – is he done?

By Brian Boake | Jul 4, 2015

The Toronto Raptors have experienced a tumultuous couple of weeks. Since Draft Day on June 25, we’ve traded away Grievis Vasquez, traded for Luke Ridnour, drafted Delon Wright and Norman Powell, and signed DeMarre Carroll, then Bismack Biyombo as free agents. Oh yeah – Amir Johnson has pushed on, and supposedly Dwane Casey is getting some new Assistant Coaches [no comment for now]. So we’ve added five players (though Ridnour may never join the team) and lost two.

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Apr 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) collides into Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

I strongly suspect notoriously secretive Raptors GM Masai Ujiri isn’t done wheeling and dealing. Regardless, let’s catch our breath and examine the roster from a positionless-basketball viewpoint. In my mind there are 3 groups of players on an NBA team: starters, rotation men, and garbage-timers.

STARTERS

Kyle Lowry – I can’t see him as a trade candidate. He’s not expensive, and replacing him wouldn’t be easy. Besides, I don’t think he’s viewed as highly elsewhere as he is in Toronto, particularly after his second crummy playoff appearance in a row.

DeMar DeRozan – I’ve seen his name mentioned in trade chatter, but I’m not buying it. He’s consistent, durable and a great guy in the locker room.

DeMarre Carroll – The team’s new Highest Paid Player didn’t get signed to sit on the bench.

Terrence Ross – He’ll get about 20 games to show improvement.

Jonas Valanciunas – The only established centre we’ve got (sorry, Bebe)

ROTATION MEN

Delon Wright – Barring a disastrous training camp, he’s got a job backing up Lowry.

Patrick Patterson – When his 3-ball shooting is “on”, he’s a big asset. 2-Pat also rebounds and defends. As an emergency starter up front, he’s fine. I hope Masai recognizes his value.

Bismack Biyombo – Another Charlotte draft pick who hasn’t worked out (cf: Adam Morrison). Now Bismack gets a lifeline from Toronto, where he can hustle, grab some boards, and block some shots. His offensive contributions will approach zero.

Lou Williams – I don’t think we can afford to let him walk away. Our reigning Sixth Man of the Year is the poster child for the NBA’s bombs-away small ball trend.

James Johnson – The Raptors’ manchild. He has a lot to offer when his head is in the game.

GARBAGE-TIMERS

Bruno Caboclo – I certainly don’t want him in this group at this time next summer. He’ll pay off eventually, but let’s remember he’s only 19 years old. Will he start the year at the Air Canada Centre, or the Hershey one?

Lucas (Bebe) Noguiera – Ideally, he’ll have a productive half-season as a “Raptor 905”, then get called up to the big team.

Norman Powell – See immediately above.

Tyler Hansbrough – He’s an Unrestricted Free Agent, and the signing of Biyombo may mean he won’t be offered a contract.

Greg Stiemsma, Luke Ridnour – Who knows?

Chuck Hayes, Landry Fields – I’m assuming they are gone.

CONCLUSION

Even if Hansbrough and Sweet Lou return, our team has precious little depth. It’s quite conceivable none of those I’ve listed as Garbage-Timers will start the season with the team. We don’t have enough players to properly run a training camp, let alone get through an exhausting pre- and regular-season schedule. I’m sure Masai is watching the waiver wire, and taking a look at undrafted players, as he struggles to flesh out the Raptors’ anorexic roster.

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