Reevaluating the Toronto Raptors’ buyout market options

Richaun Holmes

Currently, the bad news is that Richaun Holmes is dealing with a labral tear in his right shoulder and is going to be reevaluated in the next week or two. The good news is that if he is healthy and potentially bought out, he could be a significant addition for the Raptors. He’s been out for the last 16 games, though, and may not be available by the March 1 deadline.

It’s no secret that the Raptors need rebounding help, ranking 21st in total rebounding percentage and 26th in opponents offensive rebounding percentage. Basically, the Toronto Raptors could use some additional help on the glass.

They could also use some backup center help in general. Marc Gasol has missed a lot of time with a hamstring injury this season and, without him, the Raptors have Serge Ibaka as their only center. After that, we’ve seen Chris Boucher and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson play minutes at center, with the latter starting at the five against the Minnesota Timberwolves – and to great effect.

Whether or not the Raptors would feel comfortable with Hollis-Jefferson playing minutes at center during a seven-game series is a different question entirely, especially if one of their two centers go down.

Serge Ibaka has stepped into the role of starting center brilliantly in Gasol’s absence, but if he were to go down, the Raptors options would be limited. In steps, Richaun Holmes who could fill a sizeable gap and provide the Raptors with some decent rebounding.

He’s posting a career-high in rebounding percentage and is a decent inside scorer, but whether he would want to play third fiddle is a different story. Still, he’d be a great addition.