Raptors: 3 offseason regrets Toronto is currently having

Toronto Raptors offseason regret No. 2: Losing Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka

While the departure of both the versatile Spaniard and the Congolese rim-protector in Gasol and Ibaka did allow Chris Boucher to spread his wings for the Raptors, both of these two were integral to Toronto’s championship push in 2018-19 and their franchise-best regular season in 2019-20.

While Ibaka isn’t playing like an All-Defensive Team performer on that end of the floor, his ability to attack the rim and rise up from three has been an invaluable tool for the Clippers this season. Gasol is also thriving in LA, using his interior defense and passing ability to great effect alongside LeBron James on the Lakers.

Toronto’s grand plan to replace these two was to sign Aron Baynes and Alex Len to fill the void. While Baynes has played well of late, he started off the season in absolutely pitiful fashion. Len isn’t even on the team anymore, as he was waived, having since latched on with the Washington Wizards.

Nurse has shown a willingness to go small if the need arises, but it’s easy to see that he values having some dominant bigs on both ends of the floor. Losing one might not have been an emergency, but losing both has really limited the Raptors.