Toronto Raptors: 3 free agent centers Toronto could use to fill a roster spot
By Mike Luciano
Toronto Raptors center target No. 2: Skal Labissiere
Labissiere is another first-round pick, as the much-hyped recruit from Kentucky was picked 28th overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2016. After averaging 8.0 points per game in just over 100 contests with Sacramento, he was cut loose, forcing him to latch on as a backup in Portland for the last two seasons.
Labissiere’s defense and inability to adapt his game away from the basket ultimately did him in with the Kings. Luckily for the former Wildcats star, he could have a somewhat soft landing in Toronto, who could ask him to just rebound and finish at the rim, playing to his strengths.
Could Skal Labissiere succeed with the Toronto Raptors?
Labissiere just turned 25 a few weeks ago, meaning that he has plenty of gas left in the tank. It might take some time to fully work back into the NBA, but he needs the opportunity. On a Raptors team that both plays fast and is looking for some quality scorers on the interior, Labissiere could use the Raptors as a springboard from which he could relaunch his pro career.
No matter who they sign, the Raptors won’t see their deficiencies in rebounding or defense completely erased overnight. With that in mind, why not just go all-in on offensive prowess and hope for the best? Labissiere could audition for a spot as a backup big man on next year’s team if all goes as planned.