The Toronto Raptors are looking to re-tool this off-season and work to build the team back to playoff contention. With starting guards Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. not guaranteed to return, the Raptors are in need of some shooters to re-fill the lineup as well as a few rotation forwards to build a productive bench.
The Raptors rotation has two veteran players; Thad Young and Chris Boucher. Outside those names, the rotation is incredibly young, and the players have failed to produce in meaningful minutes. In the name of rebuilding a rotation, a productive veteran presence is required.
These veterans are not just garden-variety NBA vets, but former Raptors players. As available free agents, there is a chance they could suit up for Toronto once again. Since their time in Toronto, they have grown and gained experience. They could be valuable pieces to our rebuilding franchise once again.
Who are these former Raptors, and could they be of value to the team once more? Here are three free agents the club could sign this Summer and reunite with Raptors fans.
3 Former Toronto Raptors who Could return in free agency
3. Cory Joseph
All Raptors fans can agree that this team is in need of a backup point guard. Someone to come off the bench and run the floor, make plays, and shoot the ball. Joseph can do all three of those things. Previously a Raptor from 2015 to 2017, Joseph most recently played for the rival Detroit Pistons and former coach Dwane Casey.
With the Pistons last season, Joseph averaged 6.9 points and 3.5 assists with 39% three-point shooting in 62 games. Though his defense may not be on par with the guards from the last few seasons, Joseph’s 3-point shooting off the bench and his ability to get assists could be of value off the Raptors bench.
Cory Joseph makes sense for the Toronto Raptors on a cheap deal.
His most valuable trait is that he has played over 60 games every season since 2013. Joseph has a habit of staying healthy and playing large chunks of the season. Down the stretch, healthy teams win basketball games and Joseph’s health could really boost the team’s depth. As an unrestricted free agent, his signing should be top of the list for the Raptors looking to build a bench.
It should also be known that Joseph is a Pickering native, just outside of Toronto. He was a beloved player, a hometown hero, and is on record stating he found much happiness playing in front of his family and friends. It may be likely he would be willing to return home and play in Toronto once again.