Unemployed Centers Thread: Raptors opening

[bluerap23]

Big men playing overseas.

Austin Wiley
Daniel Oturu
EJ Onu
Killian Tillie

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

G-League:

Amari Williams

Williams projects as a reliable rotational big man at the NBA level, capable of contributing as a defensive anchor and facilitator. His combination of size, defensive acumen and passing ability makes him an ideal fit for teams seeking a versatile center who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. A realistic NBA comparison for Williams is Jakob Poeltl of the Toronto Raptors – a tough and skilled center who contributes with defense, passing and efficient scoring around the basket. Currently, Williams is projected as a second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

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Amari Williams is on a 2-way with Celtics

[Tha Cynic]

That would clearly means we end Barnes experience.

The reason we have a stretch 5 off the bench is to provide Barnes paint touches, having another rim running big means Barnes would be at the corner with his average (or likely below) 3 from there.

On the defensive end, that would also conclude the roaming Barnes experience, where you dont need to roam while your shot blocker goes for the block (you are unlikely to switch with a slower shot blocker).

Unless people can tell me their offensive and defensive strategy, otherwise, this thread is clearly meant ending the Barnes era.

Probably some truth to this that having a stay at home 5 takes away some of Scottie's best defensive traits. Not a huge sample size but the Jak + Scottie pairing is at 114.6 DRTG while the Mamu + Scottie pairing is 103.8 and CMB + Scottie pairing is at 105.9.

Those are interesting numbers and maybe worth considering when trying to figure out the best permanent fit going forward, but the idea that we would make any decision about Scottie Barnes’ future based on a 10-day contract emergency stopgap big is clearly ridiculous.

I thought I had entered bizzaro zone when I read the initial comment and then the response

[Psubs]

Amari Williams is on a 2-way with Celtics

6'11 250 lbs and in 10 (GLeague) games averaging 5.2 assists with an A/T of almost 2.

But would have to trade for him, right? Fook the Celtics.

[MEDIC]

Bring Serge home.

Bamba is the obvious one. I have a feeling we will persue him, but strike out on him once 10 days are allowed. It would be in Bamba's best interest to sign here due to available playing time.......but I know how these things typically go.

Could we cut one of our two way guys & sign Bamba to a 2 way?

I mean....if we aren't going to use Lawson, why not cut him & sign someone that plays a position of need?

I’d say wait until after Jan 15 when Jak can be traded for anything major to happen.

Smaller trades are likely to include one or both of Ochai and Gradey (who’s now playing garbage time minutes) so it’s likely that they duck the tax and convert AJ or chucky into a full contract while also shoring up their backup big situation with any money saved.

To me, that’s why we don’t waive AJ. He may also have value for salary matching purposes in a trade.

That's what I have been thinking too. Lawson, Martin & to a lesser degree Hepburn are all inexpensive roster filler for when guys like Gradey, Ochai & possibly Walter are traded.

Why pay a guy like Gradey 5-7 million when he isn't producing & you can play a guy like Lawson or Martin for a small fraction of that (& get way better production per $). Especially when you are so close to the tax threshold.

They are stashing them in the GLeague until they are needed.

[Mark_83]

Big men playing overseas.

Austin Wiley
Daniel Oturu
EJ Onu
Killian Tillie

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

G-League:

Amari Williams

Williams projects as a reliable rotational big man at the NBA level, capable of contributing as a defensive anchor and facilitator. His combination of size, defensive acumen and passing ability makes him an ideal fit for teams seeking a versatile center who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. A realistic NBA comparison for Williams is Jakob Poeltl of the Toronto Raptors – a tough and skilled center who contributes with defense, passing and efficient scoring around the basket. Currently, Williams is projected as a second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Watch on YouTube

Amari Williams is on a 2-way with Celtics

I know. I've been advocating trading for him.

[Childs]

Pops Mensah Bonsu

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[Westside Gunn]

Pops Mensah Bonsu

Watch on YouTube

He was a beast, what a time

[Westside Gunn]

Michael Grange brought up Mo Bamba who’s apparently dominating in the G League.

Signed. Masai and Bobby read this thread

[Childs]

Watch on YouTube

I do have some concerns with Bamba, but beggars can't be choosers.

[TimeForChange]

Lock the thread

[Appostis]

They’re just barely over the tax. They’re not signing someone even for the min.

Sorry brother, we all see the gap, but the likely way it gets addressed is via a trade where they will concurrently duck the tax.

Aged poorly

[MessiahUjiri]

They’re just barely over the tax. They’re not signing someone even for the min.

Sorry brother, we all see the gap, but the likely way it gets addressed is via a trade where they will concurrently duck the tax.

Aged poorly

I’m pleasantly surprised to see them sign Bamba. I hope this doesn’t mean that Poeltl’s health is worse than advertised,

[Jeremy Lin 7]

Bamba would probably be the best option if it were scouring for g-league guys right now. and I don't think there's any harm in giving him a shot. not expecting anything amazing and he certainly has tons of faults but someone with a bit of size to rim protect, board and stretch a defense is fine from your 3rd big.

Is that you Bobby?

[Appostis]

They’re just barely over the tax. They’re not signing someone even for the min.

Sorry brother, we all see the gap, but the likely way it gets addressed is via a trade where they will concurrently duck the tax.

Aged poorly

I’m pleasantly surprised to see them sign Bamba. I hope this doesn’t mean that Poeltl’s health is worse than advertised,

Yup .110% my thoughts.

[Landomar]

Bobby reading Realgm confirmed. Good signing.

[TimeForChange]

Read on Twitter

[ArthurVandelay]

Tony Bradley was just waived by Pacers

[bboyskinnylegs]

Tony Bradley was just waived by Pacers

maybe we'll try him next after we release Bamba in a week.

[Gavin_TDThree]

Bring him home.

He's finally ready!

[TheGeneral99]

We need someone like Biyombo circa 2016 as a back up C, literally would be perfect.