Report: Raptors waive C Alex Len

The shift to small-ball continues, as the Raptors have released Alex Len just 13 games into the season.

The Toronto Raptors have already moved on from one of their offseason acquisitions, as the team announced Tuesday that they have waived centre Alex Len.

The Athletic’s Blake Murphy was first with the news, which was then confirmed by the team.

Len appeared in seven games with the Raptors this season, averaging 2.3 points and 1.6 rebounds. Although he appeared to fit just fine on offense in his limited minutes, defensively he didn’t seem to fit as well, as he struggled to keep up with guards in pick and roll situations.

On top of that, he’d missed the last three games — all Raptors wins — as he was in the COVID-19 health and safety contact tracing protocols.

Len signed a one-year, $2.3 million contract with Toronto in November, shortly after the team’s to incumbent centres, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka, signed deals with the Lakers and Clippers, respectively. He and newly-signed Aron Baynes were expected to take a good chunk of the centre minutes, but thus far, neither centre has distinguished himself.

In turn, Chris Boucher has emerged as the best centre on the roster, even though he may naturally be a four — and as such, the team has seen success playing small, with Boucher, OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam all guarding opposing centres at times.

Whether waiving Len is the precursor to another move — a trade, or a free-agent pickup — remains to be seen.