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4 Eastern Conference free agents Raptors must watch in playoffs

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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Toronto Raptors, Derrick Jones Jr
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 04: Derrick Jones Jr. #5 of the Chicago Bulls, a Toronto Raptors target, celebrates after hitting a three-pointer against the Brooklyn Nets (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

The Toronto Raptors have proved the doubters wrong after officially clinching a postseason spot just one year after ending up with the No. 4 overall pick. Masai Ujiri should be getting rightfully praised for constructing a roster that was able to knife through the Eastern Conference with ease.

Ujiri knows that he can’t rest on his laurels this offseason. As well as Toronto has played this year, they have some serious holes on the roster that need to be improved in short order. Ujiri needs another solid offseason to keep the Raptors in the postseason tier.

With Chris Boucher and Thad Young both coming off the books in a few months, Toronto will likely only retain one of them. This could help them chase some backup guards, stretch big men, and versatile bench pieces that will fit in perfectly with Nick Nurse’s complex scheme.

The Raptors need to look to some of their Eastern Conference playoff running mates in order to identify some high-ceiling players that can help Toronto sustain their success. The right combination of an enhanced role and more monetary promises could be enough to lure them over to Toronto.

4 Eastern Conference free agents the Toronto Raptors should target.

4. Derrick Jones Jr, Chicago Bulls

Jones hasn’t provided a ton of outstanding scoring value after signing a $19 million contract with Portland two years ago. However, there are signs that a coach like Nurse could improve upon the 5.5 points per game he has amassed with the Bulls this season.

Jones is shooting a robust 53% from the field, including 58% from inside the 3-point line. One of the best leapers in the game that still has plenty of athletic ability, joining the Raptors could give Jones the infrastructure he needs to completely overhaul his busted jumper and hit his stride.

Derrick Jones Jr. could thrive with the Toronto Raptors.

While he is making just 30% of his 3-pointers on a daily low volume, getting him in the Nick Nurse shooting school might give him the edge he needs to improve his offensive game. If he can still attack the basket and rock the rim with dunks, Jones could outplay his next contract in Toronto.

With Svi Mykhailiuk disappointing, the need for an athletic bench guard that can shoot should be at the top of Toronto’s priority list. Given Jones’ potential on both ends thanks to his verticality and shot-blocking skills, Toronto could get some serious value out of him.