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Raptors’ Masai Ujiri has more work to do

By Adam Stocker

Sep 26, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri poses for pictures during media day at BioSteel Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri poses for pictures during media day at BioSteel Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Raptors GM Masai Ujiri needs to find another trade partner before the deadline.

Entering All-Star weekend, the Toronto Raptors sit fourth in the Eastern Conference. If the Raptors want to win their fourth consecutive division title and make it to the conference finals again, Masai Ujiri needs to make another trade before the deadline.

You don’t rocket scientist to figure out that the Raptors are better following the addition of Ibaka. Prior to trading for him, the Raptors were getting virtually nothing from their starting power forward. Ibaka gives the Raptors a versatile defensive player who is capable of stretching the floor offensively. With the Magic, Ibaka was shooting 38.8 percent from three, while taking a career high 3.8 three-point shots per game.

The addition of Ibaka gives the Raptors another scoring option. By allowing him to take 12 shots a game, he will hopefully take some pressure off of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan to score. His addition also gives head coach Dwane Casey the ability to create mismatches by playing smaller lineups. Potentially, the Raptors could play a lineup with Ibaka at center and really stretch the floor.

Feb 9, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) defends Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) during the second half at Amway Center. Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic 112-111. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) defends Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) during the second half at Amway Center. Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic 112-111. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cleveland Cavaliers have suddenly become vulnerable. Kevin Love is out with knee surgery. LeBron James is playing almost 38 minutes a night. The Boston Celtics currently sit four games ahead of the Raptors in the division. To make up the difference, Toronto needs to add another scoring option.

Trading Terrence Ross opened up more minutes for promising second year guard Norman Powell. But the loss of Ross has created a need behind DeMarre Carroll. If the Raptors want to pass the Celtics they need to fill the void left by Ross’ departure.

More shooting needed

The Brooklyn Nets are currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conferences. Given their record, they would be ideal trade partners. The Nets do not have a lot of future assets after they traded the majority of their future picks to Boston. Ujiri should use the Nets desperation to acquire draft picks and talented young players to his advantage.

The Brooklyn Nets roster does not have a lot of talent on it, but Bojan Bogdanovic is an intriguing player. This season, Bogdanovic is averaging 14.2 points per game, while shooting 36.6 percent from three. Bogdanovic turns 28 in April and will be a restricted free agent after this season. It would make sense for the Nets to consider trading him for a young asset.

A potential Jakob Poeltl for Bogdanovic trade would make sense for both teams. The Raptors could even sweeten the deal by sending a draft pick to the Nets. The Nets would get a young promising center, whom the Raptors drafted ninth overall. Toronto would land a proven bench scoring option that could push them to an NBA Finals appearance, if everything breaks their way.

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