Toronto Raptors: 3 free agent small forwards to avoid this offseason
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors free agency frenzy will officially kick off in the coming months, potentially adding even more excitement to an offseason that kicked off with Toronto landing the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft despite some very unlikely odds at earning that selection.
The small forward position is locked down by OG Anunoby, but that doesn’t mean that the Raptors should totally neglect the position. As evidenced by how poorly Stanley Johnson played at times last year, the right quality backup at the position could do wonders for Toronto on the offensive end.
When Anunoby missed time last year, the production from that spot completely went down the drain. If the front office correctly identifies that position as one of need, some of Toronto’s cap space could be allocated towards finding a sparkplug who could help the offense keep their high standards up.
These 3 small forwards could have roles in the NBA next year, but the Raptors would be better served spending their money elsewhere given the way that their top-heavy roster has been constructed.
3 small forwards who shouldn’t be in the Toronto Raptors free agency plan
3. Solomon Hill, Atlanta Hawks
Hill is currently vying for a championship with Atlanta, and he even started 16 games this year, as the defense-first forward can help with taking on challenges from several different positions. He could use the Hawks’ run to the Conference Finals as leverage that pumps up his contract value this offseason.
Hill needs to wow teams with his defense, because he is inarguably a liability on the offensive end. A career 39% shooter, Hill made just 36% of his shots this year, including only 32% of his 3-point attempts despite taking most of his shots from beyond the arc. That won’t blow Nick Nurse away.
Giannis pushes in transition and goes right to the post/ISO against Solomon Hill. What I like here is the counters. Drive is cut off ok here's the post up. You didn't move ok here's the face up, drive and finish. pic.twitter.com/isubeUzQ8V
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) June 24, 2021
Solomon Hill would hurt the Toronto Raptors on offense.
The Raptors have their “versatile forwards that can help on defense” boxes checked in Anunoby and DeAndre’ Bembry. Hill would be a complete liability on the floor when the Raptors have the ball, and Nick Nurse is not going to tolerate a Johnson-like performance on the wing in a season that could push the Raptors to the playoffs.
In their ideal free agent wing/big combination, the Raptors should look for 3-point shooting and the ability to pass the ball well, and Hill is deficient in both of those areas. On a team that needs someone who could scratch in the paint and on the perimeter, however, Hill would fit right in.