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Raptors name Summer League roster, including some surprises

By Brian Boake

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 5: Malcolm Miller #13 and Malachi Richardson #22 of the Toronto Raptors looks on prior to Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 5, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 5: Malcolm Miller #13 and Malachi Richardson #22 of the Toronto Raptors looks on prior to Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 5, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Raptors are ready for the next step in the year-round NBA dance. This one is Summer League, and our team should be competitive.

The Toronto Raptors released their roster for the 2018 NBA Summer League [SL]. The Las Vegas-based tournament (it’s not a League, NBA execs…please rename) begins on July 6 and wraps on the 17th.

2018 Summer League
2018 Summer League /

I’m most surprised to see OG Anunoby listed. He started 62 NBA games last season for a 59-win team, so seeing him among the G League hopefuls is strange, and worrisome. Even if he’s there for a conditioning assignment, I can think of safer places for him to spend the summer. If OG blows out his previously injured knee or otherwise becomes damaged goods, there will be hell to pay.

The youngest player is an Icelandic giant, Tryggvi Hlinason. One of our FanSided colleagues, Mike Oppland at Sir Charles in Charge, put together an admirable analysis of this fellow. I strongly recommend you have a read if Hlinason intrigues you. I’ll be watching to see if he can keep pace with the fleet-footed swingmen he’ll be opposing, and whether he has any offensive capability at all. He’s a sign and stash candidate.

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Marquis Teague surely didn’t expect to be job-hunting after three NBA seasons. He’s worn a lot of jerseys in his far-flung pro career, and will need a spike in performance if he’s ever to return to the bright lights. As of this writing, he’s an undersized combo guard who can’t shoot.

The intriguing trio of Malachi Richardson, Malcolm Miller and Alfonzo McKinnie will be trying to distinguish themselves enough to earn invitations to Raptors training camp.

MISSISSAUGA, ON – JUNE 29: Logo for the new D-League Development team to play in Mississauga. The NBA Development League and MLSE announced that the Toronto Raptors have the right to own and operate the new D-League team called the Raptors 905. (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
MISSISSAUGA, ON – JUNE 29: Logo for the new D-League Development team to play in Mississauga. The NBA Development League and MLSE announced that the Toronto Raptors have the right to own and operate the new D-League team called the Raptors 905. (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

Richardson is the youngest, so should have the highest ceiling. However, it’s tough to tell, as he’s had so few NBA minutes.

Miller started four games for the Raptors last season. He has a Qualifying Offer in his pocket from the team, so has some security. He might make the big team, but I believe a return to the 905 is the most likely outcome. If he enjoys a dominant SL run, I could change my mind.

Take advantage, young men

I’ve already written about swingman Rawle Alkins, and I’m looking forward to getting a closer look. He’s a dark horse who could crash the party – we’ll see.

Nick Nurse is taking this event seriously enough to name himself the team’s coach. The youngsters can’t complain they didn’t get a proper look if the head man is in charge. Of course, on a 15-man roster, minutes are going to be precious. We’ll get a sense of who Nurse likes from who enjoys the most playing time, particularly late in games.

I doubt we’ll see many of the older guys receive so much as a contract offer from the 905. A few of them might receive training camp invitations, but it’s too early to say who.

We’ll be watching these games with considerable interest. The depth of the Raptors was a critical element of team success last season. This SL group could offer up a few useful people to power that depth for 2018-19 and beyond.

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