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3 Backup point guards the Raptors should sign in free agency

By Nolan Fluke

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors looks up at the video board during the 2023 Play-In Tournament against the Chicago Bulls at the Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors looks up at the video board during the 2023 Play-In Tournament against the Chicago Bulls at the Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images) /
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The 2022-23 Toronto Raptors was a roster constructed to be tall, lengthy, and disruptive on the defensive end. As a result, the only surviving true guard was Fred VanVleet. The 6-1 point guard played 36.7 minutes per game, sixth in the NBA, with no other point guard to back him up.

In the short time when VanVleet was off the floor, ball-handling duties would fall to potential trade chip Pascal Siakam or Scottie Barnes. Though they are capable ball handlers, our failure to have productive bench pieces was a contributing factor to many of the Raptors’ 41 losses this season.

If the Raptors want VanVleet to accept his player option, it should be a priority to find him a proper backup. Although the bench contains Malachi Flynn, he has yet to show up in meaningful NBA minutes, and the front office should seek help in the free agency pool.

In a guard, the Raptors should look the ability to run the offense in VanVleet’s absence, shoot well from outside, and guard his position. Staying injury-free is also a valuable asset as the Raptors must stay healthy down the stretch if they want to be playoff hopefuls. With these factors in mind, here are 3 backup point guards the Raptors can sign this off-season.

3 Backup point guards the Toronto Raptors could sign in free agency

3. Jevon Carter

A top member of the Milwaukee Bucks’ bench unit this past season, Jevon Carter is the epitome of a true defense-first point. In 81 games this season, Carter averaged 8.0 points and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 42% on 4.2 3-point attempts. His outside shooting and playmaking ability would be of huge value to the Raptors’ rotation.

On the defensive end of the floor, Carter has made his name as a tough on-ball defender. Carter was among the best statistical defenders in the NBA, and the eye test backs it up. He has quick feet, fast hands, and an excellent ability to contain ball handlers. His defense in Toronto would give the Raptors yet another defensive weapon.

Jevon Carter is a cheap option for the Toronto Raptors.

Carter is also an incredibly healthy athlete. The 27-year-old has played 5 seasons in the NBA and played 60+ games in 3 consecutive seasons, missing just one game in 2023. Injury prevention like this could be a huge asset to a Raptors team that seems to be plagued with injuries.

Carter currently faces a player option with Milwaukee. If he opts in, he would be paid just $2.2 million. After his season of hounding defense and lights-out shooting, he would be a highly sought-after player in free agency. If he elects to hit the market, the Raptors would be making the right move by picking up the phone.