Toronto Raptors: If Deron Williams signs with Cavs, is Brandon Jennings an option?
The Toronto Raptors were just dealt a big blow to their NBA title chances and it was reported the Kyle Lowry will need surgery on his wrist. The injury will keep him out until the playoffs, maybe sooner but this puts a tremendous amount of pressure on DeMar DeRozan and Serge Ibaka to carry a team that needs a floor general.
The Raptors are not like the Houston Rockets where James harden does the heavy lifting. Lowry is a great contributor on both sides of the floor and will be missed. In his absence, the team will look to backup Corey Joseph. Is he ready to play 30 minutes and be that vital piece to a team that has goals bigger than a No.1 seed in the Eastern Conference?
With the trade deadline over the Dallas Mavericks waived PG Deron Williams, after which the PG stated that if he cleared waivers he would look to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers Monday. However, the Raptors could be the wild card here and block the Williams and Cavs union. Williams will receive more playing time with Toronto and he will still be joining a team with title hopes. The Cavs are still centered around LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love, meaning Williams may see 18 minutes per game. If he were to sign with the Raptors those minutes will increase to 25-30 depending on his health. Lowry and DeRozan are the main offensive weapons which should suit Williams just fine with his attack the basket style.
If Williams were to sign with the Cavaliers then all hope is not lost for Toronto thanks to the New York Knicks. The Knicks, Monday morning released backup PG Brandon Jennings. Deron may be the better established of the two but Jennings does offer upside as well. He’s hungry, can get to the rim, is not too much of a health risk and provides flash that will have Raptors fans on the edge of their seats.
The Raptors must make a move here and it has to be the right decision. Lowry is out and to ask DeRozan to try to carry the team for the remainder of the season will put a huge burden on his shoulders which will result in his body breaking down before the playoffs roll around. He needs someone who can come in, score and run the team until Lowry returns.
Who will the Raptors call, Williams or Jennings?
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
