4. Kent Bazemore
The Raptors need shooters, plain and simple. However, Ujiri likely won’t be able to stomach the idea of adding a player who is going to be a net negative on the defensive end. Bazemore is 33, but he can still be a solid offensive player with enough defensive hustle to cause some problems.
Bazemore has made 37% of his 3-pointers in the last three seasons, establishing himself as a trustworthy veteran who can come right in and be an effective player on a team with playoff hopes. Bazemore could be what Armoni Brooks tried and failed to evolve into last season.
Kent Bazemore will improve the Toronto Raptors’ shooting.
Bazemore, who played for the Kings in the preseason, has averaged 9.2 points per game since his breakout year in Atlanta. More than just a specialist who will stand in the corner and wait for his 3-pointers, Bazemore might give the bench another energetic guard that Nurse could fiddle around with.
Bazemore won’t cost a ton to bring in, has contributed to winning cultures in most of his big spots, and fills a big need for the Raptors. If this spot is going to be used on a veteran, why not let Bazemore get a brief shot with the team as he tries to latch on with one more chance?