Toronto Raptors: 3 free agents who could improve the defense

1. C Nerlens Noel, New York Knicks

The Knicks’ rise to the ranks of relevancy after years in the dumps was almost entirely because of either the tremendous play of Julius Randle or a defense that suffocating opponents. Noel might’ve come on late after a Mitchell Robinson injury, but he was as effective as any center in the league on defense.

Noel was the only player in the league who averaged 1.0 steals and 2.0 blocks per game this year, as the former No. 1 recruit and No. 6 overall pick showed that his ability to swat away shots and bang down low has not decreased one bit despite age and injury. The Raptors should look into prying him away from their rival.

Nerlens Noel could start at center for the Toronto Raptors.

While Khem Birch was incredibly impressive in his brief cameo with Toronto, he is also a free agent at the end of this season. While Birch offers a bit more of an offensive game outside of the paint when compared to Noel, the former Kentucky star’s acumen on defense could be the driving force that puts him above Birch on Toronto’s priority list.

Noel’s game on offense is a liability at this stage, but Birch didn’t exactly look like a dominant player on that end, and Nurse was able to get the most out of him. If he can work his magic on Noel while letting him secure a paint that was a sore weak spot for Toronto this season, the Raptors may return to the postseason.