Grading the Toronto Raptors’ offseason pickups
By Staff
May 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) shows emotion against the Washington Wizards in the first quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Free Agent Frenzy
The Toronto Raptors had an interesting offseason where, for the first time, free agents were truly keen on coming up north and joining the squad.
Through free agency and trades we’ve had to say goodbye to Lou Williams, Greivis Vasquez, Tyler Hansborough, Chuck Hayes, Amir Johnson, Landry Fields and Greg Steimsma. Losing so many players in the offseason gives a team cap flexibility and space to sign major upgrades to the roster, just as the Raps did.
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King James Gospel
Our biggest signings came through free agency, where homegrown Cory Joseph and gritty DeMarre Carroll agreed to come to Toronto. Both will definitely improve the team next year.
Coupled with this, GM Masai Ujiri and his front office staff signed less prominent players, such as Luis Scola and Bismack Biyombo, who will aid in rotation and give a spark off the bench. Scola’s NBA experience and Biyombo’s defensive capabilities will immediately be felt next season.
Not only did the Raptors make a splash in free agency, they also excelled in the NBA Draft and signed respectable prospects that will play limited minutes and help the newly formed D-League team, Raptors 905.
Nonetheless, some signings were better than others. Here’s my offseason report card for the pickups in the order they were announced
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