Solomon Alabi: Jay Triano Should Consider Playing the Toronto Raptors Center

Solomon Alabi was a second-round pick of the Toronto Raptors in the 2010 NBA Draft.

The reason Alabi was picked so late was mainly because the team he played for, the Florida State Seminoles, was not a popular team like Duke or Kentucky.

Alabi was known mainly for his defense. He averaged 2.3 blocks per game in college, to go along with 11 points and six rebounds.

In the NBA Developmental League, where Alabi has spent most of his career, he has averaged seven points, five rebounds and two blocks per game, while only playing 18 minutes.

The Toronto Raptors are deep at the power forward and center positions, which includes the likes of Andrea Bargnani, Ed Davis, Amir Johnson, Reggie Evans, Joey Dorsey, Alexis Ajinca and, last but not least, Solomon Alabi.

Alabi should be higher in the rotation than Alexis Ajinca and he almost matches Joey Dorsey's talent. All three players are not very good offensively, but Alabi is better than the others defensively.

The only advantage Dorsey has over Alabi is that he's a very good rebounder, averaging four in only 11 minutes.

The biggest weakness for this young Raptors squad is their defense.

They are currently ranked a horrible 28th in points allowed, giving up 106 points per game! This number needs to decrease.

Alabi is a very good post defender, but the Raptors are sufficient in that department. The team really needs better perimeter defense and shot-blocking—Alabi could help with the latter—so the likes of Derrick Rose or Rajon Rondo won't be able to drive into the paint with ease.

If the Raptors decide to bring in a true center and get rid of Bargnani, I doubt Alabi will be able to play much.

Considering the Raptors are out of the playoffs, however, Triano should just play Alabi to gauge this kid's true potential.

Thanks for reading and sorry I have not produced many articles. I've been very busy with life. More articles coming soon!