The 8-Second Trick For "The Top Reasons Why Toronto Raptors Made a Smart Move in Their Latest Trade"
The Toronto Raptors created a handful of moves leading up to the NBA business target date that could possess a significant influence on their playoff desires. In this write-up, we'll crack down each move and its potential effect on the group.
Click Here For Additional Info was trading Norman Powell to the Portland Trail Blazers for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood. Powell was having a occupation year with the Raptors, balancing 19.6 factors per video game while shooting 49% from the industry and 44% from three-point selection. Nevertheless, he was set to become an unlimited cost-free agent after this period, so the Raptors determined to turn him for two more youthful gamers with more group command.
Gary Trent Jr., merely 22 years aged, is averaging 15 points every activity this season while shooting nearly 40% coming from beyond the arc. He's also taken into consideration a strong defender, which ought to go with well in Toronto's defensive-minded device. Rodney Hood has struggled with injuries over the previous handful of seasons but has revealed flashes of being an reliable marker when healthy.
The trade produces feeling for both crews as Powell should provide an quick offensive improvement for Portland while Trent Jr. and Hood give Toronto some much-needed young people and deepness on the wing.
The upcoming relocation was sending Matt Thomas to Utah in exchange for a potential second-round pick. Thomas had dropped out of favor in Toronto's turning and wasn't seeing much participating in time recently. The second-round selection is beneficial as it gives Toronto another asset they may utilize in future business or receipt selection.
Ultimately, the Raptors obtained big male Khem Birch off waivers after he was released through Orlando complying with their fire sale at the deadline. Birch supplies some much-needed deepness responsible for starting center Aron Baynes as Chris Boucher often plays additional of a stretch-four part off the bench.
Birch has been solid in minimal moments this period, averaging 5 aspects and nearly 6 rebounds per activity while shooting over 52% from the industry. He's additionally a strong defender and need to go with in properly along with Toronto's defensive-minded technique.
Thus, what does all this imply for the Raptors? Well, they've accurately focused on young people and depth over short-term results this season. Trading Powell, who was possessing a career year, for two more youthful players reveals that they're appearing to create for the future instead than succeed now.
Trent Jr. and Hood must both view notable mins on the airfoil along with OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet. Birch offers some much-needed measurements off the bench behind Baynes while Thomas' separation opens up up more playing time for fellas like Malachi Flynn and Paul Watson Jr.
Generally, these technique might seem to be little on paper but might have a considerable influence on Toronto's playoff desires. They're currently resting in 11th spot in the Eastern Conference but are merely 1.5 activities back of the final play-in place.
The Raptors have presented that they can complete along with anyone when healthy and balanced, as evidenced by their recent win over Denver where they kept Nikola Jokic to simply 8 points. With their new additions and improved depth, don't be surprised if Toronto helps make a press in the direction of the playoffs over these ultimate handful of full weeks of the period.
In final thought, while shedding Norman Powell is definitely a impact to Toronto's infraction, obtaining Gary Trent Jr., Rodney Hood, Khem Birch and an added receipt asset offers them much-needed young people and intensity as they look towards body for the future. Only time will tell if these step pay for off for the Raptors but for right now at minimum they've provided themselves a possibility to compete down the extent of this season.