The Raptors are on a 3 game winning streak right now and with only 17 games left in the regular season it looks like they will make the playoffs. Colangelo has given Toronto a chance to win with his acquisitions last summer, but look for him to make the biggest splash this off season.
With the Raptors in dire need of a rebounder, Colangelo will be busy this summer trying to fill the need with a free agent signing or a trade.
I’ve created a list of the top players the Raptors should sign in the off season:
Gerald Wallace: A good fit for the Raps. Can play 3 positions on the floor and can also play defense.
Rashard Lewis: at 6″10 Lewis can rebound (6.9 rpg), but it looks like he’ll demand a big contract, which the Raptors may not be willing to pay.
Jamal Magloire: the Toronto Native has a chance to rekindle his career in his home town and he shouldn’t cost the Raptors too much money.
Mikael Pietrus: plays a lot like Gerald Wallace, but wouldn’t cost as much money. He can rebound and also plays 3 positions on the floor.
Mikki Moore: Moore has found a home in Jersey, but may not be in their future plans. Some nights he’s a monster on the glass.
Eduardo Najera: plays a lot like Garbajosa, but with a little more hustle and not quite the shooting touch. He would be a decent 6th man, but not a true big man.
Primo Brezec: has struggled with injuries and playing time this season in Charlotte, but with a fresh start he may be able to put up similar numbers from the 2004-05 season where he averaged 12.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg and shot over 50% from the field.
Desagana Diop: a former first round pick of the Cavs, Diop hasn’t lived up to expectations. The Raps could take a chance and see if he pans out.
Dikembe Mutumbo: in the absence of Yao Ming the 40 year old Mutumbo proved that he could still play in the NBA. He currently averages 7 rpg and 1.2 bpg. The Raps could take a chance on a 1 year contract if other plans for a big man don’t work out.
This is mere speculation from a Raptor fan, but there is no disputing that the Raps need rebounding help if they are going to succeed past this season. Now with the possibility of long time Raptor Mo Pete leaving after this season, Toronto will have some money to throw around.
