Toronto Raptors: “Pass or Pursue” on 5 big-name free agents
3. Tristan Thompson
To account for the potential losses of Ibaka and Gasol, the Raptors will likely have to test the waters of the big man market. Fortunately, there are plenty of centres to go around.
Bringing the Brampton kid home would be a nice storyline, but pursuing Thompson would be a mistake. Off-court issues with the Kardashians and Jordyn Woods, along with calf, ankle, foot, quad, knee and eye injuries have limited the Texas product in the last three seasons.
However, Thompson is not without his supporters. He brings playoff experience and a solid defensive presence to the floor. Although he cannot replace Gasol or Ibaka’s ability to space out the floor, he would provide an upgrade on rim defence.
The talent he flashed whilst starting all 21 of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ playoff games en route to their ’15-16 championship was tantalizing, but his lack of durability isn’t worth the risk.