3 position battles Toronto Raptors must watch in the second half

1. Precious Achiuwa vs Khem Birch

Birch’s downturn in momentum came at a time when Achiuwa is playing some of his best individual basketball. While Birch received three fouls in four minutes against the Nets, Achiuwa hit double figures while showing off more of the jaw-dropping athletic ability Masai Ujiri has fawned over.

Stylistically, Achiuwa is the type of player that fits what the Raptors want to do defensively. Now that his offensive confidence has returned, it looks like he is clearly the better option when compared to a player in Birch that hasn’t made a shot from the field since before the All-Star break.

Will the Toronto Raptors start Precious Achiwua over Khem Birch?

If the Raptors are going to pick between either one of them in the starting lineup, picking Achiuwa has been the clear choice over the last few games. Still, Birch could manage to fight his way back if he is effective enough as a post presence to get his groove back.

Achiuwa might be the player with the better long-term future, but this front office invested heavily in Birch thanks to their three-year contract. Achiuwa’s inconsistency might leave the door open for Birch, but he’s been so locked in that he warrants more starts.