Toronto Raptors: Alex Len Comes In Helping Interior Depth

As the Toronto Raptors look to improve depth in this free agency period, the team has made another addition.

The Toronto Raptors have agreed to a one-year, $2.3 million deal with free-agent center Alex Len, sources told Shams Charania.

This comes after Raptors nation saw two of their major pieces in the paint leave to the City of Angels. Serge Ibaka was the first to leave, as the fan-favorite signed a two-year deal with the Clippers. Following that move, it was Marc Gasol who was acquired on a one-year agreement with the defending champion Lakers.

Ibaka and Gasol both played big roles in Toronto’s title run in 2019 but, the group of Raptors big men will look different this time around. A familiar face, Chris Boucher re-signed and Aron Baynes, the likely starting center in this presently constructed roster, also signed with the Raps — both deals are for two years.

Now that Len comes into the fold, he adds another presence inside for Toronto. With the Hawks and Kings in 2019-20, he put up 8.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Raptors fans might not be too excited as many people felt like the team should’ve considered signing Demarcus Cousins or Hassan Whiteside.

Len isn’t one of the more intriguing names left on the market yet, he could come in and contribute effectively. Depth moves are regularly overlooked, however, to compete with teams in an improved Eastern Conference, certain skills he can bring will be useful in moving forward.

It always helps to bring in a veteran with experience who can fill out the roster. In what can be considered an under-the-radar move, Len gives the Raptors more size, an additional physical piece, rim protection, and rebounding help. You can also look for him to perform as the screener in pick-and-roll action while also being able to hit occasional shots when given good looks.

It might not be the most popular move yet, at the very least, Len will provide more depth in the interior for Toronto.