Toronto Raptors: 4 cheaper veterans potentially heading to Toronto

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 14: Cody Zeller #40 of the Charlotte Hornets and Aron Baynes #46 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

3. Cody Zeller, C, Charlotte Hornets

If the Raptors are going to part ways with Aron Baynes, they need another center in the rotation for depth and in case of injury. Zeller is quicker and a better scorer inside the paint than Baynes. This year Zeller is averaging 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists, even though this looks like the year Charlotte will finally pull the plug on him.

The Raptors need another big that can help fill the hole left by Marc Gasol, a great passer and rebounder. No, Zeller isn’t Gasol. He can’t shoot threes and he isn’t a rim protector. Zeller is a veteran that knows how to be effective in his role, a rebounder that can get buckets, whether starting or coming off the bench.

Cody Zeller’s second act could come with the Toronto Raptors.

The list of veteran free agent centers isn’t very impressive this year. Outside of Zeller, some of the other options are Nerlens Noel and Robin Lopez. Noel would also be a great addition to the Raptors, but he might not want to leave New York.

The Raptors need center depth badly, and Zeller is one of the best on the market. By finishing inside and providing his usual brand of satisfactory interior defense, he could be either a tremendous supplement to the likes of Siakam inside or someone that could replace Khem Birch if he decided to leave Toronto.