3 moves Toronto Raptors can make to increase playoff chances

1. Integrate Thad Young into the starting lineup

The Raptors have seen Young take over with so many of their big names on the mend due to injury. Having to start games at center due to Precious Achiuwa’s torn-up ankle and Christian Koloko going through some rookie growing pains, the Raptors stumbled upon a winning formula with the ageless Young in the paint.

Over his last five games, Young has averaged 12.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. Even when ball-dominant players like Siakam and VanVleet come back, Young’s ability to impact the game without shooting 20 times makes him a perfect starting center.

The Toronto Raptors must lean on Thad Young.

A lineup with VanVleet as the point guard, Barnes and O.G. Anunoby on the perimeter, Siakam moving to the 4-spot, and Young playing at center would be such a unique combination for teams to face that the team’s swarming defense could become almost impenetrable when everyone is hot.

Toronto needs to find a way to keep getting Young as much time as possible, and this is one way in which they can satisfy that desire while putting Trent in a Sixth Man role that suits him better. Young playing center was perhaps the best development that came out of this unfortunate stretch, and Nurse shouldn’t waste that.