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3 free agents Raptors could sign after DJ Wilson’s deal expires

By Mike Luciano

TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 19: Masai Ujiri, President, Toronto Raptors attends the 2020 Audi Innovation Series on June 19, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images for Audi Innovation Series)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 19: Masai Ujiri, President, Toronto Raptors attends the 2020 Audi Innovation Series on June 19, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images for Audi Innovation Series) /
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PJ Dozier, Toronto Raptors
DENVER, CO – APRIL 29: PJ Dozier #35 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) /

The Toronto Raptors may have their requisite 15 roster spots filled up at the moment, as getting rid of Goran Dragic finally helped this team get the financial flexibility needed to improve the team. For the time being, they chose to bring back a familiar face on a 10-day contract in DJ Wilson.

While Wilson was brought back, the signing may not have provided as his immediate value as Toronto wanted. Wilson has missed time with a knee injury, while the Raptors have lost all four of their games against teams not named the Nets since the second half started.

Wilson brings some intriguing athletic ability and rim-running to the table, but this team needs perimeter players and shooters more than yet another versatile big. When Wilson’s 10-day contract expires, Toronto could be free to chase some recently release veterans on the open market.

Any one of these three players might provide more of a short-term boost than Wilson due to the spots where Toronto lacks depth. None of these three will cost a ton to bring in or demand the ball on offense when on the floor.

The Toronto Raptors could look to sign one of these 3 free agents.

3. PJ Dozier

It took the South Carolina alum some time to really get his feet under him in the pros, but Dozier eventually carved out a very respectable three-season stint for himself with the Nuggets. After being traded from Denver to Boston and getting waived, Dozier could land on a playoff team like Toronto as a backup.

Dozier has averaged 6.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game over parts of the last three seasons with Denver. Shooting 41% from the field and 32% from 3-point range might not make him sound like an offensive juggernaut, but Dozier finishing combined with some solid perimeter defense could make him a solid third-string point guard.

The Toronto Raptors could add a big guard like PJ Dozier.

Dalano Banton might be an intriguing young player and a fan favorite, but Rexdale’s finest has been hitting that fabled rookie wall on offense. Dozier could help replace Banton’s minutes without forcing Nick Nurse to totally change what he wants to do stylistically.

It’s still unclear why the Celtics let Dozier go. Dozier has postseason experience, ball-handling prowess, and some pesky defense. At just 25 years old, he could be an ideal Wilson-like redemption project that helps the backcourt look a bit more respectable in the short term.