The Toronto Raptors will likely be in the market for a few new acquisitions at the 2020-21 NBA Trade Deadline, as the roster is in need of some reinforcements if they want to fend off some competition in the suddenly extremely deep Eastern Conference. Luckily for Toronto, the supply of promising young players to add leaves them with plenty of options.
Aron Baynes and Alex Len were signed to be replacements for Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka, but the former has consistently underperformed and the latter earned himself a one-way ticket to the Washington Wizards. That position has stood out as the biggest weakness on a Toronto team that often gets beat up on the boards.
Baynes can still be a solid backup big man in the NBA, but this season is proving that at this stage in his career, he’s simply not a starting center on a team with championship hopes. Adding another big that can replace Baynes on the offensive end while providing a comparable level of defense on the other side of the floor.
I thought Marc Gasol played hot potato with the basketball, especially when open.
— Chris Walder (@WalderSports) February 9, 2021
And then Aron Baynes waltzed into my life.
Masai Ujiri might need to peruse the trade market for a young, high-ceiling option that can be trusted to fill in for Baynes. Any one of these three options could be worth going after for the Raptors.
These three young centers would be perfect for the Toronto Raptors
No. 3: Jaxson Hayes, New Orleans Pelicans
Hayes was picked 10th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, as the Pelicans dreamed of a frontcourt of the future that featured Hayes as the rim-running center and Zion Williamson becoming a superstar at power forward. While Zion is well on his way to living up to the hype, Hayes’ NBA career hasn’t gotten out of first gear.
Hayes, who followed in the footsteps of former Texas centers Jarrett Allen and Mo Bamba, looked like another terrific shot-blocker and rim-runner. However, after New Orleans acquired muscular New Zealand center Steven Adams from the Thunder, Hayes’ minutes and production have gone down the tubes, as he is averaging just 4.3 points per game.
Hayes could keep improving his game in Toronto
Despite his limited offensive profile, as his jump shot is basically a non-existent facet of his game, there is reason to believe Hayes can turn it around in Toronto. Per 36 minutes, Hayes is averaging a double-double at 12.7 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Throw in the ability to block shots and a 63 percent field goal percentage, Hayes could blossom in Toronto.
Save for a few ill-advised threes, Baynes isn’t used much on the offensive end. All Hayes would have to do is step in, reinforce the defense, set screens, and finish close looks on the offensive end. Hayes might cost more than most due to how young he is, but New Orleans isn’t tied to him, and he could be on the move soon enough.