Raptors: 3 free agent power forwards to sign after Pascal Siakam surgery

The Toronto Raptors were looking to lean on Pascal Siakam to be a stabilizing force as they tried to fight their way back to the postseason, but Nick Nurse and the rest of the organization were dealt a major body blow that will make it even tougher for them to turn things around.

The Raptors announced that Siakam underwent surgery to correct a torn labrum in his shoulder. While the NBA season starts on October 19, the expected recovery time for this injury is around five months, meaning that Siakam might not suit up for the first month of the season if the timetable is to be believed.

While this is certainly a gut punch, it is not the end of the world, as the Raptors could create enough cap space to field a competitive team with or without Siakam. They might need to allocate a bit more spending to the frontcourt, however, after this new development.

These 3 Raptors free agency targets could end up playing the power forward or small-ball center role with plenty of aplomb, eventually shrinking back into a solid role player by the time Siakam returns from injury.

These 3 Toronto Raptors free agency targets could help fill in for Pascal Siakam.

3. Paul Millsap, Denver Nuggets

Death, taxes, and Paul Millsap hitting mid-range jumpers down on the block. Having started 36 games at power forward for Denver this year, the 15-year vet did put up a solid 9.0 points per game on 47% shooting despite a very limited amount of shots he was allowed to hoist per game, but that points per game number was his lowest since the 2007-08 season with the Jazz.

Millsap is going to turn 37 next year, but his next NBA contract will likely come for a team that can either give him a chance to chase a ring or allow him to play a defined, yet important, role on or off of the bench. You couldn’t ask for a better backup power forward or temporary starter than Millsap.

Paul Millsap could be a cheap veteran that helps the Toronto Raptors.

While not the best 3-point shooter in the world, Millsap has shown that he can knock it down when he’s given an opening and the green light to shoot. The Raptors were moved around easily in the paint last year, but the stocky Millsap should be able to give them the reinforcement they need on the glass.

If the Raptors are concerned about spending a ton of money, Millsap could represent a much more economical way to get some depth on the interior. He will have plenty of teams in the postseason vying for his services, but that shouldn’t discourage the Raptors from at least taking a look at him.

2. Kelly Olynyk, Houston Rockets

A native Canadian, Kelly Olynyk went from a potential bargain signing in Miami to someone that was putting up the best numbers of his career with the Houston Rockets. Olynyk averaged 19.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game in Houston, which could really boost his free agency stock.

Olynyk is a bit of a puzzle when it comes to figuring out his true value. While his numbers in Houston were exceptional, is that just the product of him getting a ton of shots up on a horrible Rockets team with nothing to play for? Either way, his player profile could be exactly what Toronto needs.

Kelly Olynyk could boost the Raptors on offense.

Olynyk has the passing skill that Nick Nurse requires of all his big men, all while showing enough post game, finishing ability, and 3-point shooting to either be an average starter or above-average reserve off of the bench. Olynyk at the 4 or 5-spot in lineups with or without Siakam could be fun to watch.

Part of the main reason Siakam’s loss will be so impactful, apart from the fact it will be a tough blow for the locker room to swallow, is the fact that he can get shots up from anywhere on the court. Olynyk is a non-factor as a ball-handler and lacks his scoring proficiency, but he is one of the more versatile offensive bigs in the market.

1. Montrezl Harrell, Los Angeles Lakers

The phrase “you know what you’re going to get” can apply to a few big-name players in the NBA, but Montrezl Harrell’s role has been so rigid over the last two years that the old axiom fits him perfectly. Harrell is the perfect reserve big man, and he perfected that craft to the point he was named Sixth Man of the Year.

With the Clippers and Lakers, Harrell has averaged 16.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game over the last three seasons, making his mark as a rim-runner on offense and a ferocious defensive rebounder that will outhustle anyone to snatch some rebounds. Sound like what the Raptors looked like last year? Didn’t think so.

Montrezl Harrell could change how the Raptors line up.

Even if Siakam’s shoulder was made out of adamantium, Harrell would’ve been worth looking at for the Raptors. His defense is horrific, yes, and he doesn’t become much of a factor when he leaves the paint, but his hustle and rebounding acumen could be the shot of caffeine this bench needs.

Harrell has only started 3 games in the past two years, but with Chris Boucher the likeliest player to be moved into the starting lineup to replace Siakam, Harrell can make sure Toronto’s bench doesn’t sacrifice depth or quality. He’ll be trying to secure the bag this offseason, but Toronto should sate his desire.