If the Toronto Raptors really want to go all out and are looking for a player whose stock is at rock bottom who could become a true starter, the answer is probably Robert Williams III, currently with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was included in Jrue Holiday’s deal and landed in Portland last year, playing just six games before injuries sidelined him for the season.
Williams started opposite Kevon Looney for the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals just two years ago, and when healthy, he’s still a huge impact player, especially on defense. His health is a real concern as he misses a lot of time each season, but if a smaller role could help him stay healthy, he could show the blocking and stealing skills that have made him one of the league’s best defensive bigs.
Portland has Deandre Ayton on a max contract, drafted Donovan Clingan in the top 10 this year, and last year Duop Reath was perhaps their best center as an undrafted rookie. There is no room or need for Williams, and if the Raptors could land him, he would have the most potential of anyone on this list. If all goes well, he could either replace Jakob Poeltl or be a more valuable trade piece in a year or two.
The Raptors don’t need to address this weakness. They can’t do everything, and their forward depth is a bigger need. If they decide to address the issue, though, there are a number of talented, low-cost solutions that could make this the right problem to solve.
Next. Ranking the Raptors’ 7 guards from “prolific” to “disastrous”. Ranking the Raptors’ 7 guards from “prolific” to “disastrous”. dark
