Raptors need to find a backup for DeMarre Carroll

Free agency is approaching and the Raptors should be thinking about finding a key player to contribute off the bench behind DeMarre Carroll.

From DeMar DeRozan testing free agency, to Congo sensation Bismack Biyombo drawing a ton of interest, this off-season the Toronto Raptors have a lot on their hand; one player that is likely out the door is James Johnson, as he’s an unrestricted free-agent this summer. Love him or hate him, you had no idea what he was going to bring for you when he stepped onto the court. His dunk on the Detroit Pistons’ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW9gBpjqAjg)Andre Drummond won’t be forgotten and his constant positive support for teammates whether he was playing or not, was simply amazing. His love for the city of Toronto will never be questioned but it might be time to move on and it’s only for the better as his talents aren’t being utilized.

If Johnson waves Toronto farwell, his production must be replaced, unless the Brazilian phenomenon Bruno Caboclo is ready to go which is highly unlikely. That’s not a knock on Caboclo but it doesn’t seem as if he’s just yet ready for the bright lights of the NBA due to his sub-par performances with the Raptors 905.

Raptors General Manager Masai Ujiri should attempt to fill that roster spot this off-season with a player who can come off the bench for DeMarre Carroll and help this team reach even greater heights.

Here are three free-agents the Toronto Raptors should consider targeting this off-season to bring off the bench:

• Gerald Henderson
• Solomon Hill
• Jared Dudley

If you’ve been an avid fan of the Raptors in the last couple of years, the name Gerald Henderson would ring a bell. Known for constantly torching the Raptors throughout his time with the Charlotte Hornets, Henderson could be a great spark off the bench. Even though his product has declined from a season ago as his minutes decreased when he was shipped from the Hornets to the Portland Trail Blazers for Nicholas Batum; he is still one of those players that can get going in a heartbeat and score the basketball at a high rate. As Henderson is naturally a two-guard, his size on the defensive end won’t hurt the Raptors if they decide to play him at small forward position as he has the toughness to stay in front of guys. Henderson would be a great pick-up this off-season but his situation in Portland would probably give him more chances to thrive as an offensive option, which is something that should be hard to move away from. Expect Henderson to ask for around 8-12 million but I don’t expect the Raptors to be inclined to pay him more than $10 million and may look to get a similar player but at a cheaper price.

But don’t be surprised if Masai decides to give him a call. If you can’t stop him, try to get him to join your team right?

Solomon Hill is another player that should be on the Raptors radar after his solid playoff performance against the club in the first round. Hill, who was very efficient against the Raptors in the playoffs, shot 52.2% from the field & 71.4% from deep. I’m not sure if his hot three-point shooting in the playoffs will duplicate as he’s just 32.5% shooter in his career. Not to take away from Hill’s tremendous shooting in the playoffs, but the Raptors did a terrible job defending the three ball all season long and that could be the reason behind his hot shooting. He should be worth about 5-8 million and could possibly be a steal for the Raptors if he’s able to translate his playoff success into next season. Hill should be looked into closely and considered by Masai and his group.

Due to temptation, I had to put Jared Dudley on this list. Dudley’s shooting ability is heavenly. He’s only shot under 36% from deep once in his career and that year was his rookie year. He’d be exceptional off the bench for the Raptors, creating more space for Cory Joseph to attack the paint as Dudley roams the three-point line. Toronto’s not-so consistent shooting from deep could be uplifted with Dudley storming into town. Only problem is according to the Washington Post, Dudley has said that he would like to return with the Washington Wizards next season. With Dudley ageing his asking price shouldn’t be higher than $6 million. He’s probably the preferred player of the three and his price tag isn’t bad. It won’t hurt to give him a call and ask if his shooting touch would come north of the border.

Other viable back-up small-forward free-agent targets for the Raptors include:

• Marvin Williams (UFA)
• E’twuan Moore (UFA)
• Matt Barnes (UFA)
• Ryan Kelly (RFA)

Feel free to comment below some names that weren’t mentioned that you’d like to see the Raptors target this off-season to play behind Carroll.