With the Toronto Raptors training camp winding down, a good question to ask is who will get the final spot on the roster? Technically, there are two roster spots but Delano Banton seems to have locked up one of them. So that leaves four players vying for one spot. So let’s look at each one and see what skill(s) they bring to the table. I will also give my guess on who gets it. So let’s start!
Toronto Raptors Training Camp – Players Competing for Last Roster Spot
Justin Champagnie – The skills he brings to the table are elite rebounding and hustle. At six foot six, he is an amazing rebounder for a player his size. He fights hard on the offensive and defensive end. Hustle and rebounding are two skills that translate to the NBA. Also, he has played with the big club last year and has look good in stints. When he played in the G League last year, he was dominate and improved his three point shooting to over 40 percent. However, injuries to his wrist early in summer league and his hip early in training camp have really hampered him. This has paved the way for other players to get a long look for that last roster spot. As a result, he might be on the outside looking in. However, his track record from last year is good and he is only 21 years old. He definitely has room to grow.
DJ Wilson – The skill he brings to the Raptors is size. There is an old saying that you cannot teach size. At six foot 10 inches, he would be the second tallest player on the team after Koloko. He’s been the league on and off for a few years so he has experience. The Raptors like him a lot as they previously had him on two 10 day contracts. Also, they invited him to their summer league team this past summer and he was with the Raptors at the Rico Hines runs. He does a little bit of everything regarding his skills. Nothing elite but he is steady and you can easily plug him into the line up. Finally, he does fit the six food nine vision the Raptors have with his height and wingspan.
Josh Jackson – The former 4th overall pick of the 2017 draft was considered a long shot to make the team when he signed a non guaranteed deal with the Raptors. However, he has shown some flashes. In particular, he has the ability to get to the basket and create his own shot. The Raptors do not have many players who can do that consistently. Also, the Raptors might see a high ceiling for him and untapped potential even though he is 25 years old. The Raptors are known for their player development and if they can unlock all of Jackson’s skills and ability, they could have a steal.
Gabe Brown – The rookie from Michigan State probably has the longest shot to make the team as his non guaranteed deal has an incentive in it for him to play for the Raptors 905 if he does not make the squad. However, there one thing that he does better than all the other players vying for the last roster spot and that is three point shooting. In his college career, he shot almost 38 percent from three which is pretty impressive. Also, in the comeback against the Celtics earlier in pre season, he displayed some of this shooting. As witnessed in the first few preseason games, three point shooting is still an issue for the Raptors. Some of this could be alleviated once Otto Porter Jr. comes back but you can never have too much shooting.
Conclusion – Who Will Get the Last Roster Spot?
So who will get the last Roster spot during the Toronto Raptors training camp? If I had to guess, I think it comes down to Justin Champagnie and DJ Wilson. The Raptors have invested a lot of time and resources in both players. Both players know the system and in particular the defensive scheme of the Raptors. Regarding Josh Jackson, the potential is intriguing but he is going to need playing time to get those skills out and there will not be a lot of playing time for that. Also, he still learning the Raptors’ system and his outside shooting is not great. Gabe Brown I think will be sent to the 905 for further development and they will see if he can maintain his three point shooting. If he does, he might be a look from the Raptors (or another team) during the season.
Out the DJ Wilson and Justin Champagnie, I think Champagnie might edge out DJ Wilson as he offers hustle and elite rebounding which skills that are good for an end of the bench player. Also, if he can maintain the three point shooting form he displayed in the G league, then he will win out. However, it is close and if he doesn’t show during the next week or so, DJ Wilson could get the spot as the Raptors know what they will get in Wilson. He is an easy plug in for if there are injuries. However, there is a scenario where both might get on the team and that’s if Juancho Hernangomez keeps underperforming. Even though his contract is guaranteed for this year, the Raptors could cut him and then there will be two open spots. It is highly unlikely but it is something to keep your eyes on. With less than a week before the season starts, we will know shortly who is on the team and who is not.
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