Steve Nash and 20 Players the Toronto Raptors Should Lure North of the Border

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It's no surprise that the Raptors are defensively inept. When Bryan Colangelo took over, he tried to instill his Phoenix Suns run and gun mindset in Toronto and although they have had only minimal success.

With Dwane Casey at the helm defense will be king in Toronto.

Here are 20 players that could fit in Casey’s vision of the Raptors.

What the Toronto Raptors Can Offer

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Before delving into the nitty-gritty let's be real and address what the Raptors can offer.

No perennial playoff contender is going to jump ship for the cold winters in Toronto. Toronto can offer playing time, a metropolitan city and a decent contract.

Just remember, Toronto is often viewed as 'that team in another country,’ so expectations might need to be kept to a minimum.

Josh Howard

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Howard was once the young stalwart for the Mavs. He was seen as the future but injuries have derailed his game.

Howard could certainly help improve scoring from three-point range. Coming off a major injury at the age of 30, he could be bought for cheap.

Al Thornton

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A bright star coming out of college, Thornton started out strong with the Clippers, averaging 12.7 PPG as a rookie , and 16.8 PPG in 2008. But he has fizzled without consistent playing time in Washington, and could provide a solid and cheap option.

Boris DIaw

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Dlaw is an extremely talented player who can get a triple double on any given night.

A former Most Improved Player Award winner, Diaw could do whatever is needed for the Raptors.  In addition, Colangelo is known to love him.

Kelenna Azubuike

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Waived by the Knicks after a tough injury, Azubuike had no chance to show Mike D’Antoni what he could do.

Kelenna averaged roughly 14 PPG and 5 RPG for the Warriors from 2008 to 2010 and showed he could play defense at multiple positions.

The Raptors could get Azubuike for a very modest price, and he could provide depth at multiple spots on the floor.

Michael Redd

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Does anyone remember when this guy averaged over 20 PPG from 2003 – 2009?

Redd he disappeared after tough knee injuries. He is likely dying to show the world that he can compete again , and Toronto can give him the opportunity.

A one or two year deal wouldn’t be too expensive, would it?

Shane Battier

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Who wouldn’t want Battier on their team!

He's a team player, would be a huge asset to a young team like the Raptors, and could solidify the defense.

With his ability to hit three-pointers and play defense, what else could the Raptors want? He would be more expensive but worth every penny.

Robin Lopez

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Twin brother of All-Star Brook, Robin has lost favor in Phoenix.

The more defensive minded twin would be a great young building block for the Raptors. Although he is set to become a FA next year, the Raps should try to pry this young raw big man out of Phoenix.

Jamaal Magloire

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A former All-Star who put up 19 points and 8 rebounds during the 2004 All-Star game, Magloire could end his career in his hometown.

Another big body in the middle, he could focus on defense and be a menace on the boards.  Additionally, he could probably be signed for the veteran minimum.

Jeff Green

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A younger, more talented version of Battier. Green has always been a versatile player.

A solid second or third scoring option with 14 career PPG, Green could anchor the small forward position.

The Raptors would need to give him a big payday, but it would be worth it to get a young, talented team player for years to come. Oh, and did I mention the guy can defend?

Chris Kaman

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Another great undervalued player.

Selected right after Dwayne Wade in the 2003 draft, Kaman has barely shown his true potential. Kaman showed he could play in 2010, but with the Clippers most likely linking DeAndre Jordan to a big deal, Kaman’s days in Los Angeles could be done.

He is a great team player who goes about his business in an unorthodox, yet productive way.

Josh Boone

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A very cheap option, Boone never realized his potential but showed flashes of brilliance with the Nets.

He can't make a free throw to save his life, but he could provide solid defensive play for the Raptors.

Currently playing in China, I am sure he would welcome the chance to play for the league minimum.

Mike Dunleavy Jr.

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A very technical player who can score, Dunleavy could be an excellent cheap(ish) option for the Raptors.

At the age of 30, Dunleavy can still produce. With younger options on the wing, Indiana is unlikely to resign him.

And with a coaching pedigree in his blood, he would be a great mentor.

Jeff Foster

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Like Dunleavy Jr., Foster is being phased out in Indiana.

An old scrappy vet, Foster would give the Raptors an aggressive tenacity that he has displayed his whole career.

Another cheap option, the Raptors could benefit from his tutelage and strong defensive minded play.

Rodney Stuckey

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With the drafting of Brandon Knight, Stuckey’s job is in jeopardy.

A bright young player, Stuckey would be expensive yet could be a focal point for the Raptors for a long time.

Stuckey could supplant either Calderon or Bayless in the backcourt and provide a spark for the Raps.

Samuel Dalembert

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One of the prized pieces in the 2011 free agency class. Dalembert will be looking for some serious money and will have many suitors.

An excellent defensive center, Dalembert would be a great addition to Toronto especially as a Canadian. He would be pricey, but I think he could maintain his 2 blocks per game career average.

Michael Beasley

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Beasley is still only 22 years old.

He showed last year he can score roughly 20 a game. He could be a great addition or the Raptors. With the drafting of Derrick Williams, Beasley could be had.

Colangelo should look to pry Beasley out of Minny at a ‘reduced’ price.

Al Jefferson

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Jefferson is one of the top big men in the game. He seems to have been around forever yet is only 26.

The Raptors would have to trade for big Al. With the drafting of Enes Kanter, as well as the trade for Derrick Favors in the Deron Williams deal, they have a plethora of big men in Utah.

If Colangelo could pry Jefferson out of Utah, he could be that big piece in the middle that has been missing since...Rafael Araujo?

Tracy McGrady

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Why not?

Nearing his retirement, McGrady could reinvigorate the Toronto fans and they could whip out all those old purple McGrady jerseys from back in the day.

Being able to play at the 2 or 3 spots, McGrady could see a lot of playing time in Toronto and jumpstart the career that went and died in Detroit.

He could also be signed for a small sum in relation to what he would bring to the table. I am sure he would love the opportunity to be relevant again, and from a marketing standpoint it could work for the Raptors!

Vince Carter

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Like T-Mac, what would be the harm?

He could mentor DeMar, would provide some solid offensive punch from the 2 or 3 and he would be a great marketing ploy.

I am sure he would love to remain in the spotlight and fans would love to give him a second chance and cheer him on again.

Steve Nash

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I doubt I need to say why this would work out for both Toronto and Nash.

As a proud Canadian he would love to end his hall of fame career in Toronto. The crowd would adore him, the team would instantly improve, he could provide veteran leadership.

Pay Stevie to come work in his native country!

Thoughts?

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As mentioned this article provides a list of those players who could help the Toronto Raptors. Some players like Boone might have only a small impact.

Some could help make the Raptors much more competitive.

Others, like Vince Carter, would not only help the team, but would be a great marketing ploy. What did you think of this list? Anyone that I could have added that would have a chance of coming to Toronto? Let me know what you think! Thanks for reading.