Toronto Raptors 2021 Roster: What the Team Looks Like After Losing Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol

Published 12/09/2020, 7:30 AM EST

Many teams went into the 2020 NBA off-season gearing up for the 2021 Free Agency. Players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George might be up for grabs so teams need free cap space. The Toronto Raptors are amongst these, and they have kept their roster strong but are also in a good position for 2021.

Last season, they made it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but then they got knocked out in a seven-game series against the Celtics. For the upcoming season, they don’t look as strong as last season but are still a solid team.

Toronto Raptors: Confirmed incoming players

Article continues below this ad

The Raptors’ biggest move in the off-season was to re-sign Fred VanVleet. After being undrafted in 2016, he was signed by the Raptors for their G-League team. He worked his way up the ladder and was a vital member of their championship team.

The Raptors gave him a deserving four-year, $85 million deal with a player option in his fourth year. They also re-signed Chris Boucher, who is going to have an improved role this season, on a two-year deal.

While they targeted many lower end rotational players on minimums in Free Agency, the Raptors signing Aron Baynes on a two-year contract was an impressive move. He came off a career-high season with the Suns and will fit perfectly into their system.

With their draft picks, the Raptors selected Malachi Flynn, a point guard from San Diego, and Jalen Harris, a combo guard from Nevada.

Toronto Raptors: Confirmed outgoing players

The Raptors lost two pillars of their front court this season with the departures of Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka. After arriving in 2017, Ibaka had become a solid big man for them. He was a solid rim protector and was also a threat from the perimeter. Gasol arrived in 2018 and was also an impactful player. Both of them were key in the Raptors 2019 title run.

Ibaka chose to leave for the Clippers while Gasol signed with the team that initially drafted him, the Lakers.

The Raptors also lost a reliable backup forward in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

What does the new Raptors roster look like so far?

New Frontcourt

Article continues below this ad

OG Anunoby (F)
Aron Baynes (C)
Chris Boucher (F)
Oshae Brissett (F)
Henry Ellenson (F)
Alize Johnson (F)
Stanley Johnson (F)
Alex Len (C)
Pascal Siakam (F)
Yuta Watanabe (F)

New Backcourt

Terence Davis (G)
Malachi Flynn (G)
Jalen Harris (G)
Kyle Lowry (G)
Patrick McCaw (G)
Norman Powell (G)
Matt Thomas (G)
Fred VanVleet (G)

Article continues below this ad

The Raptors finished as the 2nd seed last season. They lost two important players, but still have their core of Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and OG Anunoby. They have a strong team that should be able to finish in the top four once more.

What Does the Toronto Raptors Starting Lineup Look Like for the 2020-2021 Season?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Aaron Mathew is a sports analyst at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Mass Media from Xavier’s College, Aaron has been a part of EssentiallySports since May 2020 where he covers both NBA and NCAA basketball news, and has also covered NBA 2K. In the past, Aaron has worked at the Sports Desk of Mumbai Mirror.

Toronto Raptors 2021 Roster: What the Team Looks Like After Losing Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol

Toronto Raptors: Confirmed incoming players

Trending

Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series

Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract

Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer

Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?

Dwyane Wade’s Competitive Daughter Wouldn’t Let Mom, Gabrielle Union, End the Day Peacefully

Toronto Raptors: Confirmed outgoing players

What does the new Raptors roster look like so far?