With the Raptors now having moved on from Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, and Serge Ibaka, they've officially begun their rebuild and formed an exciting new core with Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., Khem Birch, and Chris Boucher. Here, though, is our Toronto Raptors 2021 NBA Free Agency grades for every signing post.
Looking to build a playoff contender in the upcoming season, the Raptors have made some key signings that have helped them keep their young core intact while still leaving them room to make more additions to their roster.
Hoping to get back to the NBA Playoffs in 2022, it'll definitely be interesting to see what head coach Nick Nurse and team president Masai Ujiri have planned for the upcoming season. Having said all this, let's take a look at the grades for each of the Toronto's signings during 2021 NBA Free Agency.
Toronto Raptors 2021 NBA Free Agency Grades
Shooting Guard/Small Forward Gary Trent Jr.: A
This was a crucial re-signing for the Raptors that they considered a top priority, especially considering the offensive firepower Gary Trent Jr. brings to this young and dynamic Raptors squad. Looking to develop him into one of the premier 3-and-D guys in the NBA, the Raptors definitely see the potential in Trent Jr. and know he has a bright future in this league.
Especially with his ability to space the floor with his lights out shooting and utilize his ball handling to make some crafty finishes at the rim. Now that they see Gary Trent Jr. as a player they want to keep in the fold long-term, Toronto has gotten one step closer to returning to playoff contention.
Power Forward/Center Khem Birch: A
After a major boost in production during the 2020-21 campaign, Khem Birch showed a ton of promise and the Raptors definitely took notice by re-signing the young combo big. With season averages of 11.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks while shooting 55.6% from the field, Birch has quickly progressed into a stellar two-way big that can provide the Raptors with reliable frontcourt depth moving forward.
Even though he's still got a long way to go before moving into the conversation of elite big men in the NBA, Birch definitely has shown that he has the potential to become one of the premier big men in the league. His continual improvement and contributions to the team will pay off huge in the near future and give the Raptors a complete rotation that will be ready to contend for a title in the coming years.
Toronto Raptors 2021 NBA Free Agency Grades For Every Signing Continued
Now that the Raptors have successfully re-signed two of their key rotation players, they look poised for a turnaround next season and are now locked into starting a new chapter in their franchises history with the hopes of building their next contender. With Khem Birch and Gary Trent Jr. set to return next season, this takes care of their top priorities during the 2021 offseason.
As an exciting young team that's set to be a contender in the coming years, this youthful and athletic squad still has lots of growing and developing to do. However, the Raptors do have one of the top player development programs in the league, so they'll without question be making serious strides over the next few seasons.
Do you agree with how we handled our Toronto Raptors 2021 NBA Free Agency grades for every signing post?
