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.
2. Yuta Watanabe
Most recently a Raptor, Watanabe finished a lone season in Brooklyn as a rather productive rotation forward. Scoring just 5.6 points per game, Watanabe shot 44% on 2.3 3PA in 58 games off the bench. An upgrade from his seasons in Toronto, Watanabe found his rhythm with the Nets.
The former fan favorite could bring back valuable assets to the team in a rotation role. His size on defense could assist with the team’s defensive culture, his developing shooting could help fix as an outside team, and his rebounding off the bench would be most appreciated.
Yuta Watanabe could return to the Toronto Raptors.
Watanabe credits the Raptors for bringing him success in his career, and it could most definitely be a place he could continue. His last contract was minimum in the amount of $1.8 million, likely to be inflated due to his excellent shooting season. If the Raptors were to bring him back into the rotation, the checkbook might have to write another zero.
If it means the Raptors can add a wing with size and the ability to shoot, any amount of money would be worth it. Plus, fans loved Watanabe, and this fanbase would be ecstatic for his return.
1. Terrence Ross
A former starter in Toronto, Ross was a lights out shooter and Slam Dunk Champion. Fourth all-time in the franchise for made threes, Ross has made his living shooting from outside the arc. Playing 63 games last season for Orlando and Phoenix, Ross shot 37% on 4.1 3-balls per contest for 8.3 points per game.
Ross has a great ability to shoot both off the dribble and off the catch. In a Raptors system built around exceptional inside players, the offense creates plenty of open shooting chances. With Ross outside the arc for the Raptors, the 3-point shooting would level up considerably.
Terrence Ross could thrive again with the Toronto Raptors.
One of the best bench shooters available, Ross could mean valuable bench production for the squad. Last season, the Raptors had the second-lowest scoring bench in the NBA, so Ross’ production would be more than welcome. Once again, his defense may not be up to par for Toronto, but surrounded by excellent defenders, he can be hidden within the team’s system.
Ross’ last contract was in 4 years for $54 million. I don’t think I am going out on a limb here by suggesting that any sort of reunion between Toronto and the former first-rounder will come at a much lower price than that. It is likely the Raptors could find a bottom line much more affordable.