The Toronto Raptors have recognized the importance of spacing in basketball, with centers that stretch the floor being pivotal for teams like the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. Notably, general manager Bobby Webster sees how this can empower talents like Scottie Barnes. The Raptors recently signed Sandro Mamukelashvili, a six-foot-11 center, to a two-year contract, aiming to enhance Barnes' effectiveness. Barnes' performance has been hindered by poor three-point shooting among his teammates since his NBA debut, highlighting the urgency for better spacing tactics.
Recent championship rosters like the 2024 Boston Celtics and 2021 Milwaukee Bucks have leaned on centres that stretch the floor, empowering players like Jayson Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo to devour open space.
Toronto Raptors general manager Bobby Webster understands that this matters, especially for a team featuring a player like Scottie Barnes.
The Raptors conveniently added Sandro Mamukelashvili on a two-year deal worth $5.5-million on July 4, providing Barnes with an intriguing stretch-five option he normally doesn't have access to.
Since being drafted with the No.4 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Barnes has played on some of the worst three-point shooting teams in Raptors' history.
Collection
[
|
...
]