Why the Raptors need to retain free agent Tyler Hansbrough

First and foremost, he’s provided a dash of toughness to a roster that is noticeably lacking in that department. Now, I by no means believe you need to be a tough team to succeed in the NBA, and I also realize that Hansbrough’s brand of toughness verges on truly dirty play. However, head coach Dwane Casey‘s brand of basketball emphasizes the fighter’s mentality – he frequently makes analogies to war and boxing in the context of games. The Raptors need someone on the team to embody that philosophy, and Hansbrough, along with point guard Kyle Lowry, has become that guy.

Hansbrough also shot very well in his limited playing time this season. He posted career highs in both field goal percentage (52) and true shooting percentage (60). He even hit his first career 3-pointer! Hansbrough played within himself, and demonstrated an admirable progression from his earlier days in the league by doing so. Get this: he took nearly three times as many shots per minute in his rookie year compared to this past season. That’s crazy.