You play GM: Decide the fate of the Toronto Raptors offseason

Toronto Raptors - Masai Ujiri (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors - Masai Ujiri (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors – Norman Powell (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Trevor Ariza & Patrick McCaw

You’re not a fan of risk, so you decided to play it safe with Trevor Ariza. Ariza is a little longer in the tooth than the other available prospects with a slightly lower ceiling, but a much higher floor. He’s a proven defender at the highest levels and was just the third best player for the Houston Rockets two years ago.

Trevor Ariza is more of a power forward at this point in his career, making the positional fit a little tighter. But the Raptors are now full of flexible, large defenders who can switch across multiple positions.

With Patrick McCaw, you also know what you’re getting. McCaw was picked up by the Raptors last year, and with another season of experience, should be ready to make a significant contribution. Another year of offensive development will be critical for the twitchy, 6’7″ defensive specialist.

With both exceptions, you signed players who you know can make positive contributions.

Next, you’ll need to sign three minimum contracts, a wing and a point guard.

A couple of possible guard options:

  • Raymond Felton
  • Isaiah Thomas
  • Rajon Rondo
  • Shelvin Mack

A couple of possible wing options:

  • Thabo Sefolosha
  • Alec Burks
  • Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot
  • Jodie Meeks

For illustrative purposes, we will move forward with Raymond Felton and Alec Burks, but you can choose whoever you’d like.

That means the final roster you’ve chosen is:

  • Point Guard: Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Raymond Felton
  • Shooting Guard: Norman Powell, Alec Burks
  • Small Forward: OG Anunoby, Patrick McCaw, Malcolm Miller
  • Power forward: Pascal Siakam, Trevor Ariza, Chris Boucher
  • Center: Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, Dewan Hernandez

Not happy with the results? Feel free to start back over.