3 ways to improve the Raptors’ league-worst bench scoring

1. Start Khem Birch over Gary Trent Jr.

Birch is a perfectly serviceable player in the NBA, but the fact that the bench has come unglued without him is a sign that they are lacking depth and scoring quality. Changing the starting lineup might sound blasphemous, especially considering how well Trent is playing, but this could give the rotation more balance.

Trent has taken the next step as a defender and scorer this season, and he’s done so while splitting time alongside four players that are all capable of being the leading scorer on any given night. His scoring numbers may improve on the bench while Birch helps out the starting unit.

Could Gary Trent Jr. become the Toronto Raptors’ Sixth Man?

Assuming Nurse gives Trent the same minutes as he did when he was a starter, No. 33 will get the greenest light in the world off of the bench. After an entire season of searching, the bench will finally have a player that can catch fire and carry the second unit when the starters need some reprieve.

Birch could move Pascal Siakam back to the power forward spot, giving Toronto a veteran rebounder and post presence that could help fix their big issue in the paint. This is a bold move, but going 3-9 in 12 games has to prompt some change, and this could help even out the two units.