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Should the Toronto Raptors take a look at DeMarcus Cousins?

By Thomas Valentine

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 21: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers works out to assistant coach Phil Handy prior to the start of a basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 21: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers works out to assistant coach Phil Handy prior to the start of a basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – Marc Gaol (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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As is stands, the Toronto Raptors only have two centers on the roster: Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka. Both are integral parts of the rotation but both have also missed significant periods this year.

Right now, Marc Gasol is sidelined with a hamstring injury that’s seen him miss the last nine games. His absence has been a huge blow for the Raptors but Serge Ibaka has stepped up on a nightly basis, averaging 21.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, shooting 61-percent from the field and 46-percent from three while deputising at center.

There’s no doubt that Ibaka is playing the best basketball of his career this season and once Gasol returns to the lineup, Nick Nurse will have a decision to make. Gasol, while not the offensive juggernaut he once was, is one of the Raptors best defenders and his presence in the paint is always a welcome addition.

Other than that, the Raptors center rotation falls short. Gasol and Ibaka are the only two centers on the team, with Dewan Hernandez out since December 16 after suffering a sprained ankle. Even then, the Miami rookie is a little too raw to be playing consequential minutes down the stretch and in the playoffs.

Maybe that’s where DeMarcus Cousins could step in if he is healthy.

Lakers coach Frank Vogel said there was a chance that DeMarcus Cousins could return before the playoffs, but he was still a long way away from returning. If that’s the case, signing Cousins wouldn’t add anything to the Raptors right now, but potentially down the road in the postseason.

If he were to sign with the Toronto Raptors, and again, a lot of this is down to his health and how well he rehabs, Cousins would be a great option to have in short minutes when the dice needs rolled.

He shouldn’t take any minutes from Gasol and Ibaka if they are hot, but Cousins is a good scorer, a great passer, and he can be an average defender at times. His defense could prove to be a problem, but the Raptors have enough players around him to rotate and send sufficient help.

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