Report: Raptors, Bismack Biyombo agree to 2-year, $6-million deal
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The Toronto Raptors have made yet another move to shore up their woeful defense.
The Raptors have come to an agreement with center Bismack Biyombo on a two-year, $6-million deal, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reports.
Biyombo has been a disappointment since being drafted seventh overall in 2011 by the then-Charlotte Bobcats. Biyombo has developed into a strong defender, but has iffy hands and little offensive skills outside of crashing the glass.
But the Raptors won't be calling upon Biyombo to supply offense. His role will be to help mitigate the Raptors' two biggest weaknesses: rebounding and defense. Toronto ranked 25th in defensive rebounding percentage and 25th in defensive rating last season.
He's a very good rim defender. Here's his DEFENSIVE shot chart. https://t.co/1ZCVuurX9Q pic.twitter.com/nCYZbHEAov
— Shot Analytics (@ShotAnalytics) June 29, 2015
To that end, the hyperathletic 6-foot-10 Biyombo represents a welcome addition. In 64 games last season, he posted 8.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per 36 minutes.
Biyombo's deal also represents a cheap flyer with little downside. The 22-year-old isn't likely to transform into a legitimate offensive weapon, but his defensive utility alone is worth the money. Anything extra would be a surplus.
Biyombo projects to slot in as Jonas Valanciunas's backup at center.