Marc Gasol and 5 Players the Raptors Should Target This Offseason

The summer of 2011 should be an interesting one for the Toronto Raptors.  

Armed with loads of cap space and some movable assets, the Raptors look poised to make a significant splash in either free agency or on the trade front.  

Here are five players that the Raptors should target this summer.    

5. DeAndre Jordan

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 01: DeAndre Jordan #9 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts after two missed free throws against the San Antonio Spurs at the Staples Center on December 1, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledge

DeAndre Jordan has won the hearts of many down in Los Angeles this season.  

His stingy defense, shot blocking ability, and rebounding at both ends of the floor make Jordan a very valuable commodity this summer.  

Filling in for the injured Chris Kaman, Jordan has exceeded the expectations of many, and at only 23 years of age, he still has room to improve.  However, with Kaman now healthy, Jordan's tenure in LaLaland could be coming to a close.  

Jordan could serve as the perfect complement to Andrea Bargnani, who is generally considered to be a liability on defense.  

He would also help compensate for some of Andrea's rebounding and shot blocking deficiencies, while allowing Bargnani to move over to the PF slot, where he would undoubtedly fit in better. 

4. Tyson Chandler

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DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 10: Tyson Chandler #6 of the Dallas Mavericks dunks the ball against the Denver Nuggets during NBA action at the Pepsi Center on February 10, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by do

After the near trade last summer that would have sent Jose Calderon to Charlotte for Tyson Chandler and Boris Diaw, Chandler has shown everyone why Bryan Colangelo coveted him so much.  

Chandler has become a defensive anchor in Dallas, and has managed to stay healthy after a couple of injury plagued seasons.  Chandler would fit in well with Toronto next to Bargnani, providing some strong defense in the middle—which this team has sorely lacked for years.  

He would also bring some much needed intensity and fire to the locker room, and help Toronto's younger players develop.  

3. Arron Afflalo

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DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 24: Arron Afflalo #6 of the Denver Nuggets conttrols the ball against the Boston Celtics during NBA action at the Pepsi Center on February 24, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Celtics 89-75. NOTE TO USER: User expr

Arron Afflalo would be a perfect fit on the wing for Toronto.  

He would bring some much needed perimeter defense, and he's developed a sound offensive game this season as well.  

Bringing in Afflalo would help to stretch the floor, leaving more room for DeRozan to penetrate and finish at the rim.  

Afflalo's strong two-way game is what Toronto has been lacking for years.  At 25 years of age, Afflalo would fit in nicely with Toronto's young core.

2. Wilson Chandler

Wilson Chandler has had an astounding 2010-2011 season, averaging 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, and over a block per game.  

Chandler is extremely versatile, being able to play SG, SF and PF effectively due to his length and athleticism.  

He would offer Toronto a Swiss Army Knife type player that can do a little of everything—similar to what Lamar Odom does for the Lakers.  

He will undoubtedly be heavily pursued this offseason, and will definitely earn a big payday.

1. Marc Gasol

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LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 02: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives past Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers to the basket during the first quarter at Staples Center on November 2, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User express

Here we are, the #1 priority for the Toronto Raptors front office this offseason: find a way to get Marc Gasol into a Toronto Raptors jersey.  

Gasol has blossomed into one of the better centers in the Association with his rebounding and shot blocking prowess, deceptive quickness, and great interior defense.  

He has all the skills one would want in their big man, and at 7'1", 265 lbs, he is definitely not a paperweight down in the post.  

A frontcourt duo of Bargnani and Gasol would be a formidable inside-outside threat, and would give opposing teams fits trying to defend them. 

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