Toronto Raptors: Under the radar signings to address frontcourt needs

Jabari Parker Six-foot-eight Power Forward

Besides adding talent to their roster at the center position, the Toronto Raptors will need an adequate backup to all-star power forward Pascal Siakam. Stanley Johnson, who’s one year contract has expired, did not work out. Players like Chris Boucher and Dewan Hernandez are still developing.

One player who has struggled overall in his development in the NBA but has proven he can be a scorer is Jabari Parker. The Raptors struggled offensively, ranking 14th overall in the NBA in this category. A closer look at why also reveals that they were 21st overall in scoring in the paint.

Parker, who averaged 14 points a game in 2020, was a dynamic scorer before injuries hampered his career in 2017. Parker was a 20.1 per game scorer in 2016/17.  He would provide the Raptors with a scoring presence off the bench, and, in the past, he has shot 38.3 percent on three-point shot attempts, although it was in 31 games in 2017/18.

At age 24, there is still a chance for Jabari Parker to be the player he was expected to be. The Raptors would provide him with a winning environment to continue his development. Provided he is healthy, he could provide the Raptors with a talented scoring backup to Pascal Siakam and at a reasonable price point. With a player option in his contract, Parker could opt out of the final year at 6.5 million and become a free agent the Raptors could sign.