With the NBA Draft just a few days away, the Toronto Raptors remain one of the teams at the forefront of everyone’s collective thoughts. With so many players to trade away and an organization that hasn’t yet decided on contending or rebuilding, Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster could go in one of many different directions.
Names like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby have ended up in the rumor mill. Jakob Poeltl faces some competition for his signature, while both Gary Trent Jr. and Fred VanVleet could earn some very expensive contracts in free agency that could throw a wrench into things.
What makes the Ujiri/Webster regime so frustrating at times is the fact that they have an alarming lack of clarity with regard to this roster. No one knows which way the team is leading, nor the players that could be jettisoned, irrespective of the team’s chosen pathway.
The latest rumors, unfortunately, will disappoint those who are desperate for some sort of trade to spice things up. Inactivity could be a killer for the Raptors, but that appears to be the path they are heading down if this keeps up.
3 rumors that could be bad news for the Toronto Raptors.
3. Otto Porter Jr. and his value
The Raptors only got eight games out of the oft-injured Porter during his debut season, which was a far cry from what they expected after helping the Warriors make it to the NBA Finals. Any hopes of getting rid of him during this offseason have been quickly and expertly dashed already.
According to Michael Grange of Sportsnet, one league executive said that “nobody wants” the former No. 3 overall pick, saying that he is “lay-up away from being out six-to-eight weeks.” This contract has become extremely unsightly in a frightening amount of time.
The Toronto Raptors are stuck with Otto Porter Jr.
If he was fully healthy, Porter could be a very positive addition to the bench, as he can rebound, defend, and shoot with aplomb. However, Porter has been one of the most injured players in the league, and his injuries certainly will not slow down as he gets older.
Porter needs to show not only that he can fit in with the Raptors’ rotation, but that he is worthy of an NBA roster spot at this point in his career. With a new coaching staff coming in, there is a good chance Porter is rooted to the end of the bench, barring a stunning trade away.