3 roles the Toronto Raptors need to fill at the trade deadline

1. A center.

One Achilles heel that has routinely plagued the Raptors since Serge Ibaka turned down their off-season offer in 2020 is a bonafide center.

For the second year in a row, the Raptors are worst in the NBA at defensive rebounding averaging only 31.4 this season per game. The lack of size is also a major factor offensively, as they are 20th in points in the paint.

Sunday night’s loss to the Trail Blazers was a significant example of the problems the Raptors’ roster faces against size. On defense, Toronto paid the price by allowing Jusuf Nurkic to have his way inside.

The Toronto Raptors need a force in the paint.

Even in Toronto’s 109-105 victory over the Wizards on Friday night, Toronto was outpaced in the paint 56-44. A center with quick post moves or who can catch lobs over the top near the basket will help Toronto secure points on high-efficiency shots.

An inside presence will also force defenses to respect that threat opening up less pressure on catch and shoot plays on the perimeter.

The Raptors are 22-22 and still a factor in the Eastern Conference’s playoff picture. A backup point guard, a consistent shooter, and a center added to this roster by the February 10 trade deadline will go a long way to improving this team’s fortunes.