Defense, one area of focus for the Toronto Raptors this offseason, as it has been one of their weakest points the past couple of seasons. They gathered many defensive pieces during free agency to help bolster their roster and satisfy their needs.
The first component they added to the team was DeMarre Carroll. This was an enormous pickup for the Raptors, as Carroll was one of the most underrated free agents this summer. Toronto wrapped up Carroll with a four-year, $58 million lucrative deal and thus started the trend of highly valued contracts.
Carroll, 29, was the Atlanta Hawks’ best perimeter defender and most consistent player last season. The six-year man out of Missouri has shown improvements each season, as he averaged a career-high 12.6 points on 48.7 percent shooting from the field and 39.5 percent from downtown last year.
Although his offensive improvements are impressive, the Raptors are fonder of Carroll’s defense. He has the ability and size to defend multiple positions and is extremely fearless. With DeMar DeRozan at the two guard position supplying offense, Carroll will be a nice complimentary piece at the three to satisfy the defense.
Pushing further, the Raptors added Cory Joseph to their bench. Joseph, 24, is not an offensive-minded player, but he is a downright pest on the defensive end. His on-ball defense is topnotch, and his energy is at a high level.
Additionally, Joseph, who spent four seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, must have learned so much from, not only Gregg Popovich, but Tony Parker as well and could possibly teach lessons to the young players on the roster. As he was for the Spurs, the 6-foot-3 guard is going to be a solid backup point guard for the Raptors.
Looking for more defense, the Raptors snatched Charlotte Hornets’ shot blocking big man Bismack Biyombo. Although he is offensively challenged, Biyombo is a sufficient rim protector. In his four-year career, the Congolese has averaged 1.6 blocks and 6.1 rebounds per game. The former seventh overall pick has not turned into the player many believed he would, but if the Raptors need some paint protection, he can give at least 10 to 15 quality minutes a night.
Since the Raptors allowed Amir Johnson and Tyler Hansbrough to walk in free agency this offseason, their power forward slot was slimmed down. Therefore, to replace the two, Toronto signed veteran Luis Scola.
The 35-year-old Argentinian has long past his prime, but he is still a capable mid-range shooter and hardnosed player. He doesn’t necessarily possess the foot speed or strength from a few years ago, but he is tough, very savvy, and can provide veteran leadership.
Rounding out the roster are the two rookies Delon Wright and Norman Powell.
Wright was the 20th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft and will serve as the third point guard off Toronto’s bench. At 6-foot-5, he possesses great size for a point guard and uses that to his advantage to create plays for his teammates and finish at the rim. However, the 23-year old needs to polish his game furthermore if he wants to earn big minutes in Dwane Casey’s rotation.
Powell, the 46th overall pick, was a huge surprise during Summer League play. In four games, he averaged 18.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals on 51 percent shooting, amusing the Raptors enough to earn a guaranteed deal. Although he may be buried deep in Toronto’s rotation to begin the season, if Powell could keep up the strong play, he can perhaps outplay Terrence Ross to find some play time.
Just a few days ago, the Raptors also handed their Lithuanian big man Jonas Valanciunas a massive contract extension of four years, worth $64 million. This was to assure that the seven-footer, who has been gradually improving each year, would remain their starting center for years to come.
It wasn’t an eye-popping offseason for the Raptors, but they ironed out the biggest weakness from last season by adding defensive pieces. For those wondering, the Raptors were ranked 26th in opponent field goal percentage during the season and dead last during the postseason. Carroll, Biyombo, and Joseph can substantially help improve that category.
Off-Season Grade: B-