Free Agent Power Forwards – Who should Raptors pursue?

A useful list compiled by Basketball Insiders started me thinking about power forwards the Toronto Raptors might want in their lineup next season. As my colleague Kevin Nimmock has written, Amir Johnson is a dubious candidate at best, and I don’t think Patrick Patterson is a starter. We’ve been focusing our draft coverage on power forwards, but expecting a rookie to contribute significantly is asking too much.

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Mar 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) is guarded by Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) as he controls the ball at Air Canada Canada Centre. The Trail Blazers beat the Raptors 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Consideration of the Tier 1 candidates offers little joy. Kevin Love is most likely to re-sign in Cleveland. LeBron has carried the Cavaliers to the NBA Championship finals virtually by himself; one takes Love at his word when he says he wants to get healthy and win with King James. LaMarcus Aldridge isn’t coming to Toronto. I can see him back in Portland, or with one of the Texas teams.

The Tier 2 group offers a glimmer of hope. Draymond Green will stay with the Warriors; he’s Restricted, and they won’t let him escape. Paul Millsap is an interesting possibility, but he’s 30, and as an undersized PF, has been beaten up a lot. He needs to win now; Toronto can’t offer him that. Tristan Thompson is young, Canadian, and grew up a Raptors fan. However, he’s played his way into a monster payday with his rebounding, and I’m doubtful GM Masai Ujiri would upset his salary cap for TT. While Tristan certainly is not a complete player, he’s strong where we’re weak, and I’d love to have him – but not at any price.

The Tier 3 candidates have big drawbacks. I’m not sure I’d take Josh Smith at the Veteran’s Minimum. David West has been underrated since he joined the league. He’ll be 35 soon, and I have to question how much tread is left on his tires. If he could play 20 minutes a night (I know, I know – that’s not enough for a starter), his contributions in the locker room might make him worth bringing in. Could his dignity tolerate a big pay cut, and a lesser role? Thaddeus Young would be a positive addition to any team, but I’m not convinced he’s the right fit with our roster; too much duplication of 2-Pat’s skills.

According to BI, Amir, Ed Davis and Andrea Bargnani are all Tier 4. So are Brandon Bass, Carlos Boozer and creaking veterans Amar’e Stoudamire and Carlos Boozer. I’ll pass, thanks, unless Ed is willing to work cheap. We have to purchase insurance somewhere.

Let’s zoom through Tier 5 & everyone else. Thomas Robinson is still a project after 3 seasons. Luis Scola is about done. Tyler Hansbrough at least knows our system. How cheaply will he work? Matt Bonner, Reggie Evans, Henry Sims, Jonas Jerebko – these people aren’t building blocks.

Faithful readers know that I predicted little or no free agent action for the Raptors this summer. From this underwhelming list of available power forwards, you can see why.

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