With the inevitable clash between Cleveland and Golden State closing in (seeing Houston fight back last night was fun to watch, though), and as much as we all enjoy receiving our basketball fix, each passing episode of the NBA Playoffs ultimately leaves an empty feeling within the Raptors’ fan base. Or rather the continuation of the lingering disappointment from Toronto’s first-round exit.
For the most part, the postseason has been competitive and highly entertaining (minus a couple no-shows in each series, T.O. included), but it also serves as another reminder that the Dino’s didn’t earn their keep when it truly mattered the most. It’s hard to imagine any player on the Raps’ roster channeling their inner DeMarre Carroll in the effort department. Depressing, indeed.
Are we somehow supposed to take comfort in the fact that the assistants have been fired? Nothing suggests franchise advancement like backing the man who was in charge of overseeing the ones you’ve just let go. Prepare for yet another season of evading post-game questions, sugar-coating poor play, and in-game adjustments that leave plenty to be desired. A puzzling state of affairs to put it mildly.
Ujiri, while undoubtedly still residing in this city’s high regard, has now left the door open to criticism that could begin to fester. Brian Burke was once the chosen one, there was a time when Alex Anthopoulos could do no wrong, hell, even Bryan Colangelo was treated like royalty at one point. But like clockwork, Toronto’s multiple personality disorder has a knack for turning ugly in a hurry. To kill any growing notions, the summer stage is Masai’s platform.
What’s next?
Well, time can aid our wounds. The offseason always owns potential to lay the groundwork for a renewed sense of optimism. However, we all know to keep that hope at arm’s length with an asterisk forever handy.
Fellow writers of the Republic have hit the ground running. Zarar’s take on the state of this squad’s backcourt, Blake and the Doctor’s coverage of the upcoming draft, and William’s recent edition of the mailbag. All of which provide a great jumpstart to the proceedings.
This contribution to the offseason festivities comes in the form of surveying the Free Agent landscape, and the call for a concerted effort to attain a difference maker.
The list of free agents this summer is rather deep, for a comprehensive guide to the possible movers and shakers, check out the useful page over at Hoops Hype. For the purposes of this article, let’s check in on the highlights.
At the risk of wishful thinking, how about we start with some dream scenarios and work our way down from there. With unrestricted, restricted, and player option designations attached.
Hey, if we’ve learned anything through recent events, anything is possible. Media personalties and Twitter trolls alike actually claiming Steph Curry’s daughter was an annoying distraction, the Leafs actually landing the whale named Babcock, or CBS having nerve to dismantle David Letterman’s historic set just days after his last show.
Tier 1: Dare To Dream, But Stranger Things Have Happened
- Unrestricted: Marc Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre Jordan
- Restricted: Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green
- Player Option: Kevin Love, Monta Ellis, Goran Dragic
Let’s not even hint at All-NBA first teamer, Marc Gasol, or All-Defensive first teamer, Kawhi Leonard. There is no reason for either to jump ship and simply a fantasy from Toronto’s standpoint. But two outside shots could be in the form of Butler and Green, the first and second place finishers respectively for the league’s Most Improved Player Award.
Green could very well be an NBA champion by the time Free Agency rolls around, and Butler is a rising star in a prime location. Nevertheless, neither sit atop the food chain within their squads. That’s debatable when analyzing the Bulls’ power structure but with D-Rose’s inconsistent health impacting Chicago’s chances on a yearly basis, along with the now reported rift between the two, Butler could be longing for a fresh start.
Interior help, an upgrade on the wing, passion, grit, and two-way capabilities are what’s sorely lacking in this town, and morphing into top-dog status can entice even the best of candidates. Despite numerous suitors to be, the possibilty remains that T.O.’s camp will pony up and force one of these clubs to decline their matching privileges.
Overly optimistic?
Seven of these nine marquee players are currently employed by perennial powerhouses, one of whom is most likely taking his talents to Hollywood, and the remaining two (Ellis and Dragic), fill positions already held by the Raps’ “leaders”. MLSE’s wallet also looms as a wildcard.
Masai’s master plan remains somewhat of a mystery. Believing in the core on camera is good for business, but a different blueprint could exist behind closed doors. At the moment, nobody is safe from packing their bags.
Unfortunately all of the momentum previously created by this franchise has come to a screeching halt, as two steps back have quieted the noise of the 2013-14 season. Crossing the border was already in question for the majority of players, and everyone involved with this team didn’t do themselves any favours by shrinking the free agent allure.
On to something a little more practical.
Tier 2: Somewhat Realistic Additions
- Unrestricted: Greg Monroe, Paul Millsap, Omer Asik
- Restricted: Tobias Harris, Khris Middleton, Iman Shumpert
- Player Option: Al Jefferson, Roy Hibbert, Brook Lopez, Paul Pierce
What did that nixed Kyle Lowry trade consist of again? A package of Felton, Metta World Peace, and one of either Shumpert, Tim Hardaway Jr. or a 2018 1st-rounder. Thank you for your ineptitude, James Dolan. Reports did surface that Toronto wanted the pick instead of either Shumpert or Hardaway, but back then the timing wasn’t right, whereas the here and now is ripe to jump on a player like Shumpert and what he brings to the table at both ends.
This tier represents help in areas of need without necessarily mortgaging your entire bankroll. Yes, even Pierce. He’s hated on for a reason, and mentality wise, the savvy vet and potential Hall Of Famer is a perfect fit.
I get it, he’s been the enemy for two straight years, but if he forgoes retirement and actually suits up in Toronto, every bit of this city’s distain will immediately transform into elation. Especially since it would mean this team still owns a win-now philosophy.
The more costly commodities of Millsap, Monroe, Jefferson, and Lopez would all be welcomed with open arms. Though investing in underrated skill-sets such as Hibbert’s defense (when he feels inclined to do so), Asik’s rebounding and shot blocking, and the across the board habits of Harris and Middleton could stretch the Raps’ dollar even further. With Asik offering the easiest route as the most attainable unrestricted asset.
Now, it’s the headliner’s turn.
Tier Tristan: The Main Objective
It’s time for that aforementioned priority signing, and look no further than Brampton, Ontario native, Tristan Thompson. Who as far as the Raptors should be concerned, belongs in a tier all to himself.
If the cat wasn’t out of the bag as his young career has progressed, his current postseason run, specifically over the course of his last 8 games (57% from the field mixed with 11.5 boards), has showcased his current and future worth. His Free-Throw clip just touches 56%, but 34 attempts over that same span is an encouraging sign of disruption.
Increased opportunity has put him into the mainstream discussion, as his just under 27 regular season minutes per game have risen to now four straight contests eclipsing the 40-mark. Kevin Love’s injury opened the window, but it’s hard to argue Thompson wasn’t going to enter the spotlight either way eventually.
A number of obstacles stand in the way of the Raps’ scoring such a prize:
- The seemingly inevitability of Love opting out leaving Thompson and his restricted status that much more important to the Cavs’ organization.
- A major role moving forward with a team on the verge of the NBA Finals.
- The fact that LeBron James has found a new best friend. His backing of Thompson is reaching new heights.
- He can start collecting his chips and head to the cashier as his payday looms large. There will be no offer below the already turned down $52 Million over four years.
Not since Jamaal Magloire, has a Canadian born player suited up in a Raps’ uniform. And to kick it old school, this city will always remember Magloire’s rise from Eastern Commerce Collegiate (with partner in crime Colin Charles) to the University of Kentucky, and eventually playing for the Raps in 2011.
Wait a minute, Magloire went from consultant/ambassador to assistant coach. Watch your back, Jamaal!
It was too late for Magloire to make an impact in the final stages of his career, but this is an opportunity to acquire a player who’s just getting started. Hailing from Toronto in itself doesn’t make Thompson’s case, on court decisions are far more important. But the bonus it provides doesn’t hurt the cause either, especially when the hometown approach is this team’s primary selling point. Scratch that, it’s their only selling point. Still, it’s certainly a strong one.
The potential for Andrew Wiggins becoming a member of this organization essentially exists as a pipe-dream. At the very least, it will have to wait until after his first lucrative long-term contract. Thompson represents the next best thing, yet on a different level.
But production and willingness to do the dirty work speaks for itself. The money that can be saved by letting the likes of Amir Johnson and Lou Williams walk (the 6th-man of the year is expendable), can aid the existing cap space for taking a shot at Thompson’s price tag.
One can only hope Toronto’s brass wants to sure up their pick-and-roll chaos, while attempting to put an end to the Raps’ rebounding embarrassment, not to mention eliminating its hero-ball existence. Thompson can only accelerate the process, and transform into one of this city’s next leaders on the hardwood.
Make it happen, Masai.
