Top 3 Raptors team needs ahead of 2023 NBA trade deadline
By Mike Luciano
2. Rim protection
The Raptors dug their heels in and refused to get an experienced center with the height and rim protection skill to complement their aggressive style of defense. Toronto has tried to use Christian Koloko in that role, but he has hit a rookie wall in a fairly significant fashion.
Due to his recent improvement in San Antonio and the fanbase’s familiarity with him, Spurs big man Jakob Poeltl has often been hyped up as a potential trade target. While he will cost a lot, it’s understandable why so many are so locked in on one specific player.
Masai Ujiri must improve the Raptors’ interior defense.
The Raptors can play their aggressive style of defense as much as they’d like, but putting Juancho Hernangomez on the floor for heavy minutes and leaning on only one player taller than 6-9 is not a recipe for success. They got high on their own 6-9 supply, and the roster is suffering as a result.
The book is out on how to beat this Raptors defense, as teams are well aware of the fact that they can be in for a field day if Toronto isn’t going to force turnovers. Without a player like Poeltl or one of many Western Conference big men that could be available in a trade, this defense will continue to get ripped apart.