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Raptors: 3 Aron Baynes replacements Toronto could acquire at a discount

By Ben Fisher

PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 13: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Portland Trail Blazers works against Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors in the third quarter at Moda Center on November 13, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 13: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Portland Trail Blazers works against Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors in the third quarter at Moda Center on November 13, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Hassan Whiteside, Toronto Raptors
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 29: Hassan Whiteside #20 of the Sacramento Kings (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Hassan Whiteside

Whiteside has led the NBA in blocks and rebounds in the past, all the while averaging 13.5 career points per game. However, red flags have followed the 31-year-old throughout his career amid attitude issues and a reputation as a problematic locker room presence.

A free agent this past off-season, those red flags forced him to settle for a one-year, $2.3 million prove-it deal with Sacramento rather than a long-term, big-money pact. While his numbers this year with the Kings aren’t blowing anyone away (8.4 points, 5.7 rebounds in 14.8 minutes per game), he is shooting nearly 62% from the floor. Could the Raptors try to pick him up?

Can the Raptors control Whiteside?

The Raps thought they were making the ‘safe’ choice in pivoting to Baynes once Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka flew the coop. Now that that’s proven false, the club might be ready to embrace a seven-footer with a mean streak, provided that he buys into their team concept. Kyle Lowry certainly carries enough sway as a locker room leader to keep Whiteside in check.

The Raptors currently find themselves in the thick of a glut of middling Eastern teams, and that positioning leaves Toronto likely to be playing past the regular season. However, that hardly positions them well for a deep playoff run. Rather than buying or selling, a middle ground that allows them to bolster the lineup without sacrificing too much might be the preferred option.

Next. Is Kyle Lowry a Hall of Fame player?. dark

Who do you think the Raptors should chase before March 25th?