Denver Nuggets' JaVale McGee (Photo : REUTERS/Rick Wilking (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASKETBALL))
The Toronto Raptors have reportedly maintained their interested in acquiring current free-agent big man JaVale McGee after the NBA veteran's previous negotiation with the Boston Celtics collapsed, according to Hoops Rumors on Sunday.
The Raptors (39-27), who are currently sitting third behind conference leading Atlanta Hawks in the East, have been scouring the market for a reliable big man who could beef up their frontline defense and address their rebounding woes.
McGee, a six-year veteran out of Nevada, began the 2014-15 season with the Denver Nuggets but he was shipped to the Philadelphia 76ers at the 11th hour of the trade deadline. After playing just six games, McGee agreed to be waived by the Sixers, allowing him to hit the free-agency market at this point of the season.
According to Fox Sports NBA reporter Fred Katz, the 27-year old McGee piqued the interest of the Raptors front office because of his length (standing at 7-foot) and athleticism. McGee, who is averaging 4.6 points and 2.7 rebounds this season, could be of help for the Raptors, who rank 22nd in point allowed per game (101.3 points) and 26th in rebounds (41.5 rpg).
"He's a tremendous jumper, a dominant athlete, a flashy shot blocker, and he put up one of the most underrated dunk contest performances of all time, but when it comes to playing actual defense or knowing how to move within an offense, he has a long way to go. He's a puppy inside a dog's body," via Fox Sports.
The Raptors' interest in McGee shouldn't be a surprise given that he has some sort of connection with a prominent figure in the Raptors front-office. General manager Masai Ujiri traded for McGee in 2012 and signed him to a four-year, $44 million deal during his tenure with the Nuggets. Although he did not pan out well in Mile High, Ujiri might still want to have another look at the athletic big man.
Other than the Raptors, the Mavs, Heat, Warriors and the Rockets have also shown interest in McGee, who averaged 1.8 blocks in his career.
