2 Free agents, 1 wild card Raptors could sign to fill vacant roster spot

2. Nerlens Noel

Noel is not a big offensive threat. In fact, he never really was throughout his NBA career. However, the veteran shot-swatter can protect the rim, so much so that he continues to get professional looks despite being a known negative quantity on the offensive side.

The main trait Koloko brings to the table is length and rim protection, and Noel seems like the most direct and practical way to replicate that ability. Greybeard Thad Young is trying his best, but putting an undersized player his age at the center role in the bench minutes is simply not practical for Toronto.

Nerlens Noel will help the Toronto Raptors' defense.

Teams routinely cause more turnovers when Noel is on the floor, and his wingspan still makes him a threat to guard the rim. A solid screener, Noel can provide an abundance of one particular skill without taking any shots away from Toronto's ball-dominant young players.

Noel should only be signed if the Raptors don't feel confident in Koloko returning anytime soon. Toronto may need to look elsewhere for reinforcements if they can get the former No. 33 overall pick back in the rotation soon, as their skillsets are too overlapping.