3 Raptors who flubbed their chance at a larger role this season

No. 2: Jontay Porter

The Raptors could use a young big to develop this season and beyond; Christian Koloko was a casualty of the transactions this season, as was Precious Achiuwa. Jakob Poeltl is 28 years old, Chris Boucher 31, and Kelly Olynyk 32.

Enter Jontay Porter, the brother of Denver's Michael Porter Jr. and an intriguing option as the long-term backup center in Toronto. Porter has good size at 6'11" and excellent skill and touch with the basketball, particularly as a playmaker and finisher around the rim. He also has decent touch on his 3-point shot, which makes for a powerful combination with his rim-protection and decently-quick hands. His per-36-minute averages are tantalizing: 11.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.0 steals, 2.0 blocks and 2.0 3-pointers.

That's a player who can contribute in every facet of the game. Porter saw increased playing time after Jakob Poeltl went down with his finger injury, appearing in a total of 26 games and even garnering five starts.

Then everything fell apart, as Porter has been on the shelf for the past few weeks as the NBA investigates suspicious gambling activity related to Porter. Barring an unexpected exoneration, it's likely that Porter will receive a lifetime ban from the NBA. While he'll be able to apply for reinstatement in the future, it certainly means the end of his tenure with the Raptors.

So much for their young big man to develop.