You might have noticed that Jalen Harris is not on the Toronto Raptors Summer League Team this year. Some might wonder why as the former 2nd round draft pick had some quality games at the end of the Raptors 20-21 season in Tampa before he was suspended from the NBA for taking PEDs. Since then, he played one season overseas in Italy and is currently playing in the CEBL for the Scarborough Shooting Stars.
There has also been some improvement in his play since joining Scarborough. For instance, his last game against Hamilton was one of his best. In that match, he scored 24 points on 9 for 16 shooting. He also had four rebounds, five assists and only one turnover. It was a well rounded game for Harris, as he was less selfish and made an effort to make the extra pass. He even did this on the last possession of the game, which resulted in great ball movement and an easy look for the game winning basket by a teammate. So why is Jalen Harris not in summer league with the Raptors? There are a couple of potential reasons.
Jalen Harris Not on Toronto Raptors Summer League Team – Not Reinstated by the NBA Yet
As mentioned above, Jalen Harris is currently suspended from the NBA. He does, however, have the option of applying for reinstatement after one year. If the NBA allows his reinstatement, he then can once again play in the NBA. At this point, the Toronto Raptors would have the first opportunity to sign him to some sort of contract as they had his rights prior to his suspension. It has been just over a year since his suspension but there has been no information on if he has been reinstated or even if he has applied for reinstatement.
Jalen Harris Not on Toronto Raptors Summer League Team – Easier to Evaluate him in the CEBL
The CEBL is definitely not at the level of the NBA regarding talent. However, it is a pretty competitive league. Professional basketball players from around the world play in the CEBL. There are even some players in the league who have NBA experience. So it is good quality basketball. Also, Jalen’s Team – the Scarborough Shooting Stars – are currently in fourth place and are in a competitive race to make the playoffs. So why would the Raptors take him out of this situation to play a few summer league games? He is in the perfect situation to be properly evaluated by the Toronto Raptors right in his current situation, as they can see his strengths and weaknesses in meaningful games. Also, he is the captain of his team and starts. This means lots of playing time for Jalen Harris to work on his game. All pluses for the Raps.
They Can Still Bring Him into Training Camp
The CEBL season ends mid August with the playoffs and championship game. Training camp for the Raptors doesn’t start until some time in September. So if the Raptors like what they see out of Jalen Harris from his CEBL season, they can offer him a training camp invite. Of course, he would have to be reinstated already by the NBA. So, it all remains to be seen.
Conclusion
Jalen Harris is in a great situation to showcase his game. He is playing in a competitive league and is playing meaningful minutes on a team trying to make the playoffs and win the championship. It gives him a portfolio for the Raptors or any other NBA team to look at. If he plays well and is reinstated, he might have the opportunity to play again in the NBA in the near future. However, only time will tell.
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