If Fred VanVleet and the Toronto Raptors can take any positives away from their crushing defeat against the Utah Jazz, they can take solace in the fact that new starting center and Orlando Magic castoff Khem Birch continues to put up numbers at a clip that no one has seen from him before in his career.
In 11 games with the Raptors, Birch is averaging 11.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, all the while setting new career-highs for points and assists in a game. Over the last four games, Birch is nearly averaging a double-double, amassing averages of 16.0 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
A native Canadian, Birch was given a half-season to prove that he could return to the Raptors in 2021 as either a solid starter or a well-above-average backup. Based on what Nurse had to say about him, it appears as though there is mutual interest between both parties that could facilitate a return in 2021.
VanVleet claims that Birch, who has spoken at length about how he loves to play for the only Canadian team in the league, clearly wants to play for the Raptors, adding that Toronto could “definitely use him” in the future.
Fred VanVleet on Khem Birch: "You can tell he wants to be here and that's the most important part, and we could definitely use him going forward."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 2, 2021
Khem Birch could return to the Toronto Raptors in 2021
Birch has been everything the Raptors have been looking for in a center after the disappointing play of Aron Baynes. Not only is he a tremendous interior finisher, but he has shown that he can set hard screens, rebound, and distribute the ball better than Baynes can.
However, there are some obstacles that could prevent a return. The signing of Freddie Gillespie, oodles of cap space, and Toronto being in possession of three draft picks this year could end up forcing Toronto to take a center, cutting into Birch’s playing time.
Birch might also be playing himself out of a contract with the Raptors, as his production has been nothing short of elite in this stretch. With his value skyrocketing, the Raptors should still consider potentially paying more than his market value to keep someone who has quickly become integral to the squad.
VanVleet, who has already been established as one of the core pieces of this team due to his contract, clearly has some importance within that organization, and vouching for Birch could be enough to help him earn a big contract on the open market.
At the very least, Birch has found a home and potential suitor in Toronto, and his teammates advocating for him could facilitate a return.