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Toronto Raptors: Three Raptors who need to step up down the stretch

By Jason Mills

TORONTO, ON - February 10 In the first half, Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) comes across some heavy Raptors defence.The Toronto Raptors took on the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Scotiabank arena in NBA basketball action.February 10, 2020 (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - February 10 In the first half, Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) comes across some heavy Raptors defence.The Toronto Raptors took on the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Scotiabank arena in NBA basketball action.February 10, 2020 (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 15: Malcolm Miler (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Malcolm Miller

Malcolm Miller is the third and final small forward to appear on this list of Raptors who need to step up down the stretch. It seems like we are picking on the Raptors’ small forwards but, there are six players listed on the 17 man roster at that position, and it appears to be a weak spot overall.

Miller is fourth or fifth on that list of small forwards definitely behind OG Anunoby, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (who appears to have cemented himself as Anunoby’s backup), and Patrick McCaw. As a fan, depending on how you feel about Oshae Brissett, Miller may even be behind him.

Miller was the first two-way contract player the Raptors signed back in 2017. Since then, he has seen time with the G-League’s Raptors 905 and now in his third season has played a total of 50 NBA games.

Miller has been listed as a did not play, inactive or did not dress for every game since the Raptors lost to Portland on January 7th, 2020. He was finally on the court for one minute vs Phoenix during the Raptors 118-101 victory Friday, February 21st, 2020.

At six feet seven and 210 pounds, he could help his stock on the roster if he could play the power forward spot. He may be undersized at the power forward spot. However, the Raptors have a need there with Marc Gasol, who just returned from injury Sunday against Sacramento, easing his way back into the lineup and Chris Boucher backing up Serge Ibaka at the center position.

The backup power forward spot is a hole on the roster waiting to be filled since free-agent Stanley Johnson, a power forward, is another player who is relegated to the end of the Raptors bench. Pascal Siakam the Raptors’ All-Star and starting power forward could use some rest, as well, as he is averaging a career-high in minutes at 35.5 per game.

Next. Raptors are realising their defensive potential. dark

Miller and McCaw are in a tough spot because McCaw is even more undersized than Miller at 181 pounds. Should Raptors management decide to waive a member of the 17 man roster to add a veteran power forward, at the league minimum, its possible either Miller or McCaw would be sacrificed.

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