Five Free Agent Signings that would Most Benefit the Toronto Raptors

Since the 2011 NBA Draft is not expected to produce many superstars, the Toronto Raptors will likely be looking at free agents in order to further improve the team.

This slideshow will break down five possible free agent signings (one at each position) that would benefit the Toronto Raptors the most.

PG: Aaron Brooks (Restricted)

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PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Phoenix Suns drives the ball past Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the NBA game at US Airways Center on March 30, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Thunder defeated the Suns 116-98. NOTE

Aaron Brooks is an extremely quick point guard that has yet to fully develop as an NBA player. He can use his speed to break down defenses and is a decent shooter.

I think he would fit well with the Raptors young core and his speed would add to Toronto’s already deadly transition attack.

I don’t know think this signing is very likely to occur though. As a restricted free agent, the Phoenix Suns can match any offer by Toronto. If Phoenix plans on using Brooks as a replacement for Steve Nash, they will likely fight to hang onto him.

SG: Marcus Thornton (Restricted)

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 21: Marcus Thornton #23 of the Sacramento Kings moves against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on March 21, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Kings 132-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that

The Raptors aren’t very likely to invest a lot of money on a two man since DeMar DeRozan will get the majority of the minutes at that position. Marcus Thornton could be used as a high scoring sixth man similar to the role that James Harden plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Or DeMar could move to the three so they could both start.

Thornton would be a good fit in Toronto because he is another young guy who would significantly improve Toronto’s three-point shooting. This would also open up space for guys like DeMar and Jerryd Bayless to penetrate into the paint.

SF: Jeff Green (Restricted)

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 07: Jeff Green #8 of the Boston Celtics moves against Ronnie Brewer #11 of the Chicago Bulls at United Center on April 7, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Celtics 97-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag

Jeff Green is another athletic wing man who is big enough to play the four as well. Green would be an upgrade at three over James Johnson, particularly at the offensive end.  

Once again, as a restricted free agent, Boston could prevent Green from leaving if they plan using him as a future replacement for Paul Pierce.

PF: Boris Diaw (Unrestricted)

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CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 15: Boris Diaw #32 of the Charlotte Bobcats moves around Carlos Boozer #5 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 15, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Bobcats 106-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ackno

I see this signing as the least likely to occur simply because the Toronto Raptors are already extremely crowded at the power forward position.

However, Diaw’s veteran leadership and ability to score in the pain and from deep would be welcome in Toronto.

C: Tyson Chandler (Unrestricted)

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 21: Tyson Chandler #6 of the Dallas Mavericks looks at the ball in the third quarter while taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Oklahoma City Arena on M

I don’t think I need to explain why Tyson Chandler would be a good addition for the Raptors. He is a legitimate center that would immediately and drastically improve Toronto’s defense.

Chandler is also athletic enough to run the floor with the Toronto’s youngsters.

Toronto will likely be one of many teams that will be in pursuit of Chandler this offseason. And Dallas will probably try to resign him as well.

The Raptors would be extremely lucky if they could lure Chandler to Toronto.