Toronto Raptors: Stock up, stock down as losing streak extends
By Mike Luciano
Stock Down: Khem Birch
The Montreal native is playing a very important role for the Raptors, as his combination of strength and interior defense is more valuable on a smaller, younger team that doesn’t have much in the way of height. While he started the season off well, he hasn’t looked like himself after returning from a knee injury.
Birch’s 5.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game aren’t necessarily very far off from his season averages. However, his defense has been victimized routinely by Detroit and Portland. A lackluster Pistons team ate him up inside, and Jusuf Nurkic was a one-man wrecking crew against Siakam and Birch.
Khem Birch needs to pick things up for the Toronto Raptors.
If Birch continues to underperform, Toronto will have a very tough time remaining competitive in the East. Precious Achiuwa has done everything he can to beg Nick Nurse to reduce his playing time, Chris Boucher has been horrid this season, and Justin Champagnie is both too small and too raw to get consistent minutes down low.
Birch doesn’t even need to take a shot in a game to be an effective player, as he was brought back because of his rebounding and defensive skills. After a sluggish week in his return from injury, Birch needs to get things going.