Tyler Hansbrough

Long saddled with a reputation for having a 'soft' roster, the Raptors under new general manager Masai Ujiri wasted little time in trying to change that perception last offseason by bringing in Hansbrough to add some abrasiveness to the bench. A throwback, physical power forward who wouldn't have looked out of place on the Bad Boy Pistons of the 1980s, the fifth-year player battled through various minor injuries to play in 64 games, averaging 4.9 points and 4.5 rebounds in a career-low 15 minutes per game while shooting 47 percent from the field and 68 percent from the free-throw line. Hansbrough doesn't have the skills or athleticism to play a big role on a slick Raptors team that seems poised to become a major factor in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, but his max effort and lead-with-your-elbows style will still earn him minutes when the club needs a jolt of energy, or when the opposition gets out of line.

Hansbrough fell out of favor in Indiana, seeing the fewest minutes and posting the lowest scoring average of his career, and he moved on to Toronto as a free agent. He'll provide an important enforcer element to a Raptors' roster that has been labeled as soft in recent seasons and should see solid court time behind Amir Johnson at power forward, but don't expect a big increase in minutes or production.

Hansbrough mostly served as David West’s back up at power forward last season. Hansbrough was coming off an encouraging sophomore NBA season and had some success early on, before defenses learned to challenge his shot. His offensive repertoire isn’t diversified enough, making him easy to defend. He’ll open the season in the same role he held in 2011-12, but he’s susceptible to losing minutes to rookie first-round pick Miles Plumlee.

The power forward position was never settled last season, so there was a revolving door that included Hansbrough, Josh McRoberts and Danny Granger. Hansbrough had his moments as a starter, particularly in March when he averaged 16.8 points and 7.1 rebounds in 18 games. However, the Pacers always feel Hansbrough is best utilized off the bench and looked to add a power forward in the offseason. With the signing of David West, that goal has been achieved. Hansbrough will bring is manic energy off the bench in an 18-20 minute-per-night role.

It's hard to imagine a more disappointing rookie campaign for Hansbrough. The college superstar and leading scorer in Atlantic Coast Conference history was hampered by a variety of injuries ranging from shin problems to vertigo to the possibility of post-concussion syndrome, and limited to a mere 29 games. But during the brief window when shin problems had subsided and the ear issues hadn't yet emerged, Hansbrough flashed double-double potential. Assuming he can get past all the health problems -- Hansbrough was medically cleared for contact in September -- he could have the opportunity to win a major role with the Pacers this season. After the trade of Troy Murphy to the Nets, Indiana is very thin in the frontcourt; the power forward job is there for the taking.

Pacers president Larry Bird really stuck his neck out to take Hansbrough with the 13th overall pick in the draft, passing on the likes of DeJuan Blair among others. Hansbrough draws praise for his toughness and his rebounding ability, and the Pacers have made a point to address those qualities this offseason. But will he be able to play effectively against bigger power forwards and centers? His development is already on hold with a shin injury that will keep him out for a few weeks in training camp.