Toronto Raptors: Whose stock is up/down, including Kawhi Leonard on fire

Lorenzo Brown – Stock Down

So, about that former M.V.P, it comes with a caveat. It was the G-League M.V.P from a year ago, Lorenzo Brown.

The Raptors waived Lorenzo Brown on Monday afternoon, just before his deal was set to become guaranteed for the rest of the season. The move clears a roster spot, one which has since been filled by Patrick McCaw, mind you.

Brown featured in 40 games for the Raptors over the past two seasons, coming off of the bench 26 times this year and playing nine minutes a night. Brown played hard every night, a pesky defender and a good passer of the ball for sure, but his offensive game was limited by his scoring. A career 17-percent from three, I needn’t say much more about his lack of production from outside.

The Raptors needed everyone in their rotation to contribute something to the team. Brown did have a nice stretch of a few games where he was coming up with defensive stops and attacking the rim well, but once Lowry came back, four point guards in the rotation became something of an overkill, and unfortunately, Brown was the odd man out in this scenario.

Hopefully, Brown could end up on an NBA team down the line. Maybe somewhere like Phoenix, were literally any point guard could do, or maybe a reunion could be on the cards in Orlando. It’s a shame that his time in Toronto was cut short, but once the playoffs roll around you want players who can contribute every night. Zo just wasn’t that guy for the Raptors.

Best of luck for wherever he goes next, though. Thanks Zo.