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Raptors: Would a team of former players in the NBA playoffs win a ring?

By Trevor Popoff

Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles the ball as Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors defends. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles the ball as Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors defends. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol (14) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) and guard Devin Booker (1). (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports) /

The playoff bench rotation of former Toronto Raptors players

Marc Gasol – Los Angeles Lakers

A valued member of the ’18-19 championship team, Gasol was one of two centres the Raptors let walk after the ’19-20 season. The three-time all-star landed with the Lakers, where he’s battled some contentious energy. The Spanish big saw his role increase when Anthony Davis went down, but given declines in rebounds and scoring, saw the Lakers sign his replacement in Andre Drummond late in the season.

Gasol was never the most fleet of foot, but the wear and tear from 14 seasons in the NBA and additional games with the Spanish national team seems to be catching up with him. Opposing teams still must honour his three-point shot, so he’ll be in the rotation for Raptors Reunion, but with Jonas Valančiūnas and Serge Ibaka on the team, his minutes will be restricted.

Danny Green – Philadelphia 76ers

After winning a ring with the Raptors in ’18-19, Green went back-to-back, winning a championship with the Lakers in the bubble. Now with the top-seeded 76ers, Green is looking to go for the personal three-peat. Unfortunately, on a team as deep as Raptors Reunion, Green won’t be starting, but his potent shooting will be welcomed off the bench.

P.J. Tucker – Milwaukee Bucks

The only player on Raptors Reunion to enjoy two separate stints with the Raptors, Tucker provides smothering defence and three-point shooting. What Tucker lacks in pure offensive ability (his plan is essentially to run into the corner and wait) he makes up for with the ability to lock up an opposing team’s best player. When Kawhi Leonard or Norman Powell is off the floor, there isn’t much of a drop-off defensively with Tucker.

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