The Toronto Raptors found themselves living in a post-Kawhi Leonard world, just months after winning their first ever NBA championship at the expense of the Golden State Warriors last June.
And while the Raptors are still going to be a pretty good squad collectively, Leonard’s free-agency decision to go home and play for his hometown team, the Los Angeles Clippers, has impacted Toronto in a big way.
Now, the Raptors have to find ways how to make up Leonard’s offensive output (26.6 ppg on 49.6 FG% and 37.1 3-pts%) that served as the backbone of their offense last season. Sure, the acquisition of Stanley Johnson and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has, to some extent, addressed their defensive need at the wing position, but neither is known as a two-way standout.
Raptors head coach Nick Nurse understands the magnitude of Leonard’s departure that he’s already entertaining the idea of converting 6-foot-10 Pascal Siakam into a small forward.
Raptors Rumors: Pascal Siakam very likely to get extension before Opening Night - https://t.co/9ukunsrGxo
— Hoops Culture (@Shonen_lord) September 7, 2019Of course, it will all depend on Siakam’s progress this offseason. If the reigning Most Improved Player of the Year shows that he can keep it up with elite wings in training camp and preseason games, then expect the Raptors to have a big starting frontline of Siakam, Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol. On the other hand, if Siakam proves to be too big for a small forward, then it’s now up for Masai Ujiri to make a move.
At this point, the free agency pool no longer features a dependable perimeter player, so acquiring a reliable wing should be made via trade. Fortunately, Ujiri has the track record for pulling off great trades in the past, and no one should be really surprised, if the GM comes up with another win-win deal early or midway into the season.
Here are the five possible targets at small forward spot:
Danilo Gallinari (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Although he’s a natural stretch four, Gallinari has the ability to play well as a small forward. At 6-foot-10, 225-pounds, Gallo is nimble enough to play from the perimeter and big to pound the ball inside. The Italian is a career 38 percent three-point shooter, but he actually shot the ball better at 43 percent from deep last season. The Raptors direly lack a consistent three-point shooter on their roster, something that a player like Gallinari can provide.
Otto Porter Jr. (Chicago Bulls)
Otto Porter Jr. is the closest player the Raptors could get to suffice the void left by Kawhi Leonard. Like the two-time Finals MVP, Porter can impact the game on both ends of the floor. He’s an above-average perimeter defender and pretty good 3-point shooter at 40 percent. Consistency has been the biggest issue for Porter up to this point of his career, but he nevertheless showed flashes of a 20-point per game scorer, if featured more on offense.
Robert Covington (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Covington is another prototypical 3-and-D player who can contribute well in a system offense. He might not be as good as a shot-creator as Leonard, but Covington can put up solid production as the third or fourth option on offense. He is a pest on the defensive end. He loves competing on that side of the floor and prides himself as a wing stopper against elite scorers.
Andre Iguodala (Memphis Grizzlies)
Iggy is getting up there when it comes to age (35), but he proved in the recent NBA Finals that his on-court savvy and clutch-shooting are still there. He might no longer play as much as 30 minutes per game; still, any team that can claim him off the Grizzlies purgatory can expect a productive and battle-tested wing player, especially when the stakes are higher. Acquiring Iguodala would be a solid move for Ujiri. The question now is how much he is willing to sacrifice for the veteran forward.
Andrew Wiggins (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Last but not the least is Toronto’s homegrown kid, Andrew Wiggins. The former first overall pick has been an enigma so far in his career, possessing the physical tools and skills set to succeed in the league, and yet, lack the willpower to reach his full potential. Perhaps, Wiggins just needs a change of environment, outside the shadow of Karl-Anthony Towns, to really excel. Again, how much Ujiri is willing to gamble just to bring home Wiggins? Will this gamble also pay off?
