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5 Players the Raptors should target with the Taxpayer MLE

By Thomas Valentine

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 20: Isaiah Thomas
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 20: Isaiah Thomas /
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TORONTO, ON – MARCH 29: Marco Belinelli #21 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates with Marvin Williams #2 during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 29, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 29: Marco Belinelli #21 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates with Marvin Williams #2 during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 29, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Marco Bellinelli

Like Ellington, Marco Bellinelli brings one major attribute that the Raptors so desperately need – perimeter shooting.

Across 80 games last season (52 for Atlanta, 28 for Philadelphia), Marco Bellinelli made a steady 37-percent from three. For context, he would be the 4th most accurate shooter for the Raptors among players who attempted a minimum of 22 three’s. 

Bellinelli’s role as a spot up shooter would fit well into the Raptors. With potent offensive players such as  DeMar DeRozan and Lowry drawing the defenders out to them, Bellinelli would experience a bevy of open shots. It’s easy to envision Bellinelli as a duplicate C.J. Miles with an even quicker, more accurate release.

Never a spectacular defender, Bellinelli has matured on the defensive end of the court. Despite posting a minus on DBPM (Defensive Box Plus/Minus), it did end up being his best in 5 years. The defense in the 2nd unit would also provide him some cover, as Pascal Siakam, Delon Wright and Fred VanVleet are all strong defenders.

Bellinelli earned $6.3 million before signing with the Sixers for a minimum deal. If Philadelphia is unable to land a major free-agent this season, he may return to Philly at a similar number. However, if the 76ers do decide to part ways, his performances at times this year reminded everyone that there’s still a bit of life left in this veteran yet.