Raptors Offseason: Weeks 4-5

 

Now finishing the fifth week of the NBA’s offseason, the free agency period is rather dry and summer league has finished. With the NBA’s offseason having moved at a rather slow rate the last few weeks, the Toronto Raptors failed to make any huge announcements, as expected. As Masai Uriji has stayed rather quiet other than a few player releases and two smaller scale player signings, outside of the Raptors organization, members of the team are preparing to compete for their national teams in FIBA competition

 

Player Movement

James Johnson and the Raptors have reached an agreement on a deal to bring the former Raptor back to Toronto. Johnson will immediately become the Raptors best, and most physical, wing defender, as well as a rotation player who can push Terrence Ross for minutes at the small forward position.

Dwight Buycks, the seldom used Raptors point guard who was signed after an impressive showing for OKC during the 2013 Orlando Summer League, was released by the Raptors along with the recently acquired Diante Garrett.

The Raptors have reportedly signed Will Cherry, a young point guard, who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers summer league team. The 23 year old out of Montana averaged 11.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 4.5 APG in 30.4 MPG (via nba.com/dleague) in the NBA D League last season after going undrafted in 2013. Cherry should be able to provide point guard depth behind Kyle Lowry and Greivis Vasquez similar to the role Buycks filled last season.

Lucas Noguiera and the Raptors have reportedly agreed upon a buyout clause with Estudiantes of Spain, Noguiera’s former team. This would allow for Noguiera to play this season for the Raptors and fill the role of backup center to Valanciunas.

 

FIBA

DeMar DeRozan has been participating in the USA’s FIBA World Cup training camp the last few weeks, hopeful to earn himself a spot on the roster. Making the final roster and competing for Team USA would be a tremendously valuable experience for the Raptors veteran and could help him reach that next level of stardom. In the televised scrimmage DeRozan had an impressive outing and stood out on the Blue Team comprised of NBA stars such as Stephen Curry and Anthony Davis.

Greivis Vasquez will be looking to lead Venezuela deep into the FIBA World Cup as he serves as a leader and star player on the team.

 

As the Raptors now look to have their roster set for the 2014-15 season, it is doubtful that Masai Uriji will make any more signings without a trade to shake things up. As of now the Raptors are seen as playoff locks in the East and outside contenders to make the conference finals.