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Toronto Raptors Roundup: Summer League, Fred VanVleet, and Interviews

By Mike Bossetti

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 8: Malachi Richardson #22 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on July 8, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 8: Malachi Richardson #22 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on July 8, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Raptors Roundup is a weekly segment where we fill you in on everything you missed out on last week including Summer League, Fred VanVleet re-signing, and individual interviews.

Toronto Raptors Summer League debut:

Although process is certainly more important than results during any exhibition game, it’s hard to find much to be excited about from the Raptors’ first two games. Currently the team is 0-2 following ugly losses to the New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Toronto had a hard time putting up points in the first game against the Pelicans, scoring a pedestrian 77 points in a game they lost by 13. You can read a full breakdown of the Raptors game one loss here.

In Toronto’s second game against the Timberwolves, the Raptors played better, but ultimately could not overcome a 24-point performance by Keta Bates-Diop. You can read a full breakdown of the Raptors game two loss here.

Fred VanVleet re-signing:

On the first day of free-agency Shams Charania, of Yahoo Sports, reported that Fred VanVleet agreed to terms on a two-year $18 million dollar deal to return to the Toronto Raptors.

On Friday July 6, the first allowable date, the deal became official. Fred VanVleet is officially locked-in and the Raptors have a zero percent chance of a Carlos Boozer fiasco.

You can read more on Fred VanVleet re-signing and what he means to the Raptors here. 

 Player and coaches Interviews:

Summer League provided an opportunity for many players and coaches to speak to the media for the first time since the team’s heartbreaking elimination. A video of all the team’s interviews can be found on the official Toronto Raptors Youtube Channel.

Perhaps the most interesting interview came from Nick Nurse regarding his thoughts on the team and it’s direction for next season.

Best from Raptors Rapture last week:

Toronto Raptors: Potential targets from a Cleveland Cavaliers fire sale: With LeBron James leaving Cleveland, it seems that the Cavaliers will hit the reset button. But which assets should the Toronto Raptors target?

The Toronto Raptors’ trade exceptions could net them a quality rotation player: The Toronto Raptors currently have two trade exceptions. If they are willing to use one of their available exceptions, it could allow them to add another rotation player.

Toronto Raptors: Three potential free-agent signings:  The Toronto Raptors roster is largely decided. However, with two spots still available, these free-agents could provide value at the veterans minimum.

Next: Five things to watch for during Summer League

Make sure to checkout Raptors Roundtable every Monday for all the best Toronto stories from the previous week.

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