Raptors: 3 burning questions as 2022 free agent frenzy starts
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors are prepared for all hell to break loose on Thursday evening, as the start of NBA free agency will completely shake up the foundation of the league. Toronto’s Thad Young and Chris Boucher situations are just one of many variables Masai Ujiri needs to consider.
The Raptors already saw one of their playoff competitors in the Atlanta Hawks get much more potent by trading for Dejounte Murray, which could be a sign of what will come in the next few days. The Raptors need to respond with some timely additions and subtractions of their own, even if they are of a lesser scale.
Even though they overachieved and won 48 games last year, outside observers will have plenty of questions about this Toronto team. The holes were noticeable, if not crippling. The issues stem from the possibility that they could be more negative if not promptly addressed in the offseason.
Ujiri and the front office need to come away from the early chaos of free agency with these three questions firmly answered. The Raptors failing to address these concepts adequately will lay the foundation for a very skittish offseason at the most inopportune time.
3 burning questions the Toronto Raptors must answer.
3. Will Toronto add a shooter?
The selection of Christian Koloko in the NBA Draft shows that Toronto knew they needed to use one of their most precious resources on a rim protector that can add size. Using some of their available free agency funds to get shooters would make a ton of sense.
Names like Malik Monk and Gary Harris via free agency or Buddy Hield via trade can’t be discounted as potential options if the Raptors manage to nail it early in the process. Toronto has the MLE and some cap space at their disposal, giving them enough ammo to get a big name.
The Toronto Raptors need to add shooters.
Unless Armoni Brooks suddenly becomes a trusted backup or Dalano Banton starts shooting the lights out, getting more depth on the wing and in the backcourt is one of the main goals Ujiri must accomplish. Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. had exceptional averages that skewed the overall team percentages and hit the team’s shooting woes.
Finding one could be challenging if Ujiri insists on finding a solid defender who won’t require much time to get up to speed in Nick Nurse’s system. Even if he abides by that self-imposed restriction, Ujiri should try to add a backup guard who is ready to shoot the lights out for a winner.