Predicting the Raptors perfect starting lineup after a home run offseason

Center: Isaiah Hartenstein

In our "perfect" offseason we are building here, Jakob Poeltl was the centerpiece in the trade that brought Brandon Ingram to Toronto. The hole at center was then subsequently filled by Isaiah Hartenstein, the seven-foot American big man who just had a breakout season for the New York Knicks.

Hartenstein is big and plays bigger, knocking around smaller frontcourt players and dominating the glass. He has excellent hands and great touch around the basket, a skill that the modern Raptors didn't know starting centers could have. He is a steady rim protector with the versatility to defend out in space, and on offense, he is a savvy passer who can be heavily involved in offensive actions.

If all of that is true, then why would the Knicks give him up? The answer is that they don't want to, but the most they can offer him in a deal this summer is four years and $72 million. If the Raptors swoop in and offer Hartenstein $20 million per season it's not crazy to think he could sign with Toronto and start alongside Scottie Barnes in the frontcourt.

Hartenstein is only 26 years old, firmly in his prime, and only got better as his minutes and role increased this season. He would be an excellent pick to replace Jakob Poeltl, a proven playoff performer with the skill and defensive chops to pair with nearly anyone at the 4. Signing Hartenstein to start with Kelly Olynyk backing him up and a two-way center prospect to develop behind them is a slam dunk of an offseason at the center position.

Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes and Isaiah Hartenstein. That's a dynamic two-way starting lineup that is a bit short on shooting and long on length. Obviously, a lineup with Paul George at the 2 and Joel Embiid at the 5 would be better, but this is a "perfect" lineup if the offseason takes place in the real world.

Assuming so, this would be a strong series of moves to pull off and propel the franchise forward.