Is it too late for the Toronto Raptors to pick up a center?

Who is available?

The reason it could be too late for the Raptors to pick up a center is quite simple:

Now that the buyout market has come and gone, the options in free agency are, let’s say a little threadbare. This poses a small issue for the Raptors, but if we’re being honest, a third-string center isn’t likely to play 30 minutes a night. He might not even play 10 minutes a night – it all depends on what can happen down the stretch.

While it isn’t the greatest pool of talent, there are some interesting options at play, but really the list isn’t long:

Last seen with the Houston Rockets, Nene is long past his prime at the age of 37 but in limited minutes, he could be a decent acquisition for the Toronto Raptors. He’s a solid rebounder on both ends of the court and a decent finisher around the rim.

The only concern would be his age. Nene hasn’t played since Game 6 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals in last year’s playoffs when the Rockets were dispatched by the Golden State Warriors. Nene was restricted to just 7.6 minutes per game in the playoffs, with the Rockets electing to roll with Clint Capela or smaller lineups.

After Nene, the likes of DeMarcus Cousins, who is still rehabbing with the Los Angeles Lakers come to mind. Potentially, someone like Salah Mejri or Kosta Koufos spring to mind, but neither man really excites much.

Maybe that’s the point of the role, though. No third-string center is really going to excite or move the needle. But with so few options on the market, the Raptors are far more likely to roll with what they have and pray for the best.

The Raptors probably left it too late to address the situation – or maybe they just never planned on addressing it at all. For now, Gasol and Ibaka will provide more than enough for the Raptors. After that, Nick Nurse probably has a plan.