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Report: Raptors sign backup centre Alex Len

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Alex Len #25 of the Sacramento Kings looks on in the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 25, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
C/F Alex Len has inked a deal with the Raptors. (Getty)

The Toronto Raptors added depth at the centre position by signing former No. 5 pick Alex Len, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. The deal is for one year.

Len is a 7-footer from Ukraine with solid touch around the hoop and strong rebounding statistics, but he figures to be a bench piece alongside Chris Boucher. Having lost Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol in free agency, the Raptors have temporarily shored up the frontcourt with the additions of Len and Aron Baynes.

The 27-year-old is coming to his fourth team, having split last season between the Atlanta Hawks and the Sacramento Kings. His role on both clubs was similar, although he was given permission to shoot the occasional three with the Hawks whereas he was strictly a screener for the Kings. Either way, he didn’t factor much into the offense, and is best served as a rim protector who can finish off the occasional play.

Len gives the Raptors depth at centre, but his size also gives the Raptors another dimension to match up with. Baynes is the most well-rounded out of their three centers, but he’s 6-foot-10 and not particularly athletic. Boucher is a super athlete for his position, but also undersized and can be bullied in the post. Len is the opposite, where he isn’t fast nor bouncy, but has the size and strength to be a deterrent in the paint and a reliable contributor on the glass.

Len averaged eight points, 5.8 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 17 minutes per game last season.

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