Raptors free agency: 3 frontcourt targets to chase for depth
By Mike Luciano
2. Jalen McDaniels
While Nick Nurse might be gone, it will be very unlikely that Masai Ujiri will totally abandon the philosophies that currently form the basis of this roster construction. Switchable defenders are still in vogue for him, and McDaniels is an ideal player to fit Ujiri’s archetype.
After averaging 10.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game with the Hornets, McDaniels sniped over 40% of his 3-pointers with the 76ers. However, the 76ers might not be able to bring him back on a contract that compensates him well, assuming James Harden is retained, or a player of a similar ilk replaces him.
Jalen McDaniels is a Toronto Raptors scheme fit.
McDaniels’ role on offense will likely be a catch-and-shoot threat from beyond the 3-point line. While he isn’t the second coming of Kevin Durant, shooting as he did with Philly and the 2021-22 season with Charlotte would be a major kick in the butt for this team.
He isn’t an amazing scorer, but he can get the job done if you need him to. Think of him as a younger, upgraded version of Chris Boucher. If Boucher is going to be a trade chip, getting McDaniels could help this roster’s defensive infrastructure stay together for the next couple of seasons.