The Toronto Raptors have realized that their lack of size and rebounding, epitomized by the duo of Pascal Siakam and Aron Baynes on the inside, is simply not up to par for what is supposed to be a playoff team. One player who could go a very long way towards changing that stigma is Donta Hall.
Hall has spent the early part of the 2020-21 G League season with the Ignite team that features top prospects Jalen Green Jonathan Kuminga, among others. Hall has averaged 8.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game in nine games.
Hall’s ability to hoover up rebounds makes him a somewhat desirable prospect in the eyes of some of the smaller NBA teams, and the Raptors decided to add Hall to their G League ranks to fix their rebounding issues. Instead of promoting Alize Johnson, Toronto opted for the former Crimson Tide stud.
Hall has agreed to a deal with the Raptors. His contract is an “Exhibit 10” deal, meaning he has agreed to a one-year deal worth the minimum salary. He will need to spend a certain amount of time on the roster for a five-figure bonus to kick in. He will join 905 as soon as possible.
The Toronto Raptors are signing forward Donta Hall of G League’s elite Ignite team on a 10-day contract, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 26, 2021
Who is new Raptors player Donta Hall?
Hall was a star at Alabama, leading the country in field goal percentage during his junior season. Despite his success with the Crimson Tide, the two-time SEC All-Defensive Team member went undrafted and ended up in the G League during the 2019 season.
Hall impressed in 2019-20 with the Grand Rapids Drive, the affiliate of the Detroit Pistons. After recording 15.4 points and 10.6 rebounds, Hall made a few appearances for the Pistons before joining the Brooklyn Nets in Disney World last year. Hall averaged 6.6 points per game and shot an absurd 78% from the floor.
Hall’s offensive game is very limited at this juncture, but the Raptors are in need of someone with his skills. With Baynes disappointing in all facets and Siakam not holding his own against some of the better centers in the league, Hall could give the Raptors a ruggedness on both ends by playing hard, rebounding, and setting screens.
Hall has a very basic, defined role on this 905 team. Simply come right in and rebound the heck out of the basketball. On offense, look to be an effective screener and finish off looks from close range. If he does that at an above-average clip, he might not need to return to the ranks of the G League.