NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking Points from Toronto Raptors vs Charlotte Hornets

Modified Nov 08, 2022 11:44 GMT

The Charlotte Hornets, a team with an outside shot at a playoff spot, knocked off the Eastern Conferenceâ€™s second-best team the Toronto Raptors 113-111 — The Charlotte Hornets, a team with an outside shot at a playoff spot, knocked off the Eastern Conference’s second-best team the Toronto Raptors 113-111

#1 Marc Gasol Struggles

Gasol's spent most of his time coming off the bench

It's obvious that Marc Gasol is not a first, second, or third scoring option for the Raptors. In fact, since arriving after the trade deadline in February, he’s spent most of his time coming off the bench. He did start Friday night.

Gasol recorded just 6 points and 6 rebounds in 27 minutes. Serge Ibaka got 20 points and 12 rebounds in just 20 minutes. If Gasol was brought to Toronto for the playoffs and his experience it helps if the player produces.

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Gasol’s production is way down. He is averaging just 9.3ppg and 6.5rpg for the Raptors. If the playoffs in 2019 go horribly wrong for Toronto, Kawhi Leonard could opt out of his final year and declare free agency on July 1st, 2019.

Irrespective of that, Gasol is 34 years old and will be likely to exercise his player option to stay in Toronto.

With declining stats and shooting efficiency since 2016, it's unlikely he could opt out of his $24.3 million option for 2019-20 and get a three-year $72 million dollar contract somewhere else at this stage of his career.

This all means the Raptors will be stuck with nearly $50 million dollars in salary for centers between Ibaka and Gasol next season.