Raptors free agency: 3 cheap veterans to consider signing
By Mike Luciano
The 2021 Toronto Raptors free agency blitz didn’t come with a ton of bombast or hype, but they did manage to rebound nicely after losing Kyle Lowry. Masai Ujiri managed to retain Gary Trent Jr. on a solid three-year deal and added some bench pieces like Svi Mykhailiuk on cheaper contracts.
Toronto may not be done adding at this point. With the waiving of Sam Dekker putting this team under the luxury tax, Toronto now has enough space to sign someone to a minimum contract or a non-guaranteed deal. Adding a veteran, even if it puts them up against the luxury tax threshold, may be a necessity.
The Raptors are sliding right now, as the loss of OG Anunoby combined with a generally lackluster perimeter defense had this team searching for answers before an absolute demolition of the Kings. To prevent some play-in contenders from passing them, Toronto may look to beef up the back end of their roster.
These three veteran free agents are currently without a team. If the Raptors want to look for an experienced backup that can try to fill a specific role, they could do a lot worse than these players.
Toronto Raptors free agency: 3 cheap veterans to consider adding.
3. PF Mike Scott
Scott was a thorn in Toronto’s side for years, as he perfected a blend of versatility on defense and efficiency on offense with the 76ers. Though still without a club, Scott’s style of play is not that dissimilar from what Toronto prioritized when they were filling out their roster last season.
Over the last 2.5 seasons with Philadelphia, Scott averaged 5.7 points and 3.2 rebounds per contest while making 37% of his 3-point attempts. With experience as both a power forward and small-ball center under his belt, the 6-7 Scott might be able to fit right into Toronto’s lineup, especially with some underperforming bigs occupying that space.
Toronto Raptors free agency: Mike Scott could provide shooting.
Chris Boucher is playing some disappointing basketball at the moment, and Precious Achiuwa is struggling to finish off some of the open looks he is getting. Scott could provide a nice change of pace and help with offensive spacing by giving Toronto another catch-and-shoot threat.
If the Raptors are committed to this positionless style of play, why not double down and add more role players that would fit in perfectly. Scott won’t light up the scoreboard every night, but he could make Toronto slightly more deadly on offense.