Jeremy Lin is defended by Archie Goodwin of the Phoenix Suns. (Photo : Getty Images/Streeter Lecka )
The Toronto Raptors have become a major contender this year, all thanks to their emphasis on the defensive end of the floor. Although no one knows how deep they would go this postseason, this team could still take improve by leaps and bounds next year if they can just have their hands on these key free-agents this coming summer.
Here are the top-3 'must have' free-agents for Raptors:
Pau Gasol at Center - No offense to Luis Scola, who is playing extremely well in his first season with the Raps, but Gasol would be an instant upgrade at the power forward position. At 35-years old, the Spaniard is still one of the finest post operators in the game, averaging 16.6 points and 11.0 rebounds per game.
Defensively, Gasol can still hold his own against more athletic big man as proven by his 2.0 swats per game. Moreover, he's versatile to play the center and power forward position.
Ryan Anderson at Power Forward - The Raptors have been trying to snag a stretch four over the past two season, and there's no better free-agent out there that fits the role than Ryan Anderson. The 27-year old forward is averaging 17 points and 6.0 rebounds per game this season while shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc.
Nicolas Batum at Small Forward - The Frenchman is having a rejuvenated year with the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 15.2 points, 5.7 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game. Although the Raptors already signed defensive specialist DeMarre Carroll, they could make their perimeter defense more deadly with Batum, who has no issue sliding up and down the shooting guard, small forward and power forward position.
Jeremy Lin at Shooting Guard - The Raptors may have the second best record in the East, but it's all because DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry have been sensational offensively all season long. With the end of the season approaching, exhaustion is starting to cripple the backcourt duo as proven by Lowry's latest injury.
To avoid this in the future, the Raptors must acquire a player capable of handling utility roles and exploding off the bench when needed. Lin has been that for the Hornets the entire season, averaging 12 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds per game.
Mario Chalmers at Point Guard - Chalmers will miss the remainder of the season with a leg injury. It only means he will come cheap on the market. If he's willing to accept a third-string backup role, Toronto is the place to be for the former Kansas Jayhawks standout. When healthy, there's a chance for him to compete with Cory Joseph for a backup role behind Lowry.
