Just a few days ago, former Baylor star Freddie Gillespie was in Indianapolis watching his alma mater make their run to the national championship. On Wednesday, however, Gillespie received word that his NBA dream will continue, as the Toronto Raptors are bringing in the rim protector on a short-term deal.
Gillespie, an All Big-12 and All-Defensive team selection, averaged 9.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game during his final season in Waco. He went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, but he was thrown a bone by the Memphis Hustle, G League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Gillespie averaged 10.5 points on 57% shooting with 10.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game, making his mark as one of the best interior big men down in the G League bubble. He had gone quite some time without landing an NBA deal, but the Raptors, perhaps still a bit bitter after losing Alize Johnson to the Brooklyn Nets, snatched up the former Bears star.
The Raptors are planning to sign Gillespie to a 10-day contract. This move might’ve been required by the CBA, but that doesn’t change the fact that Gillespie is a potential gold mine.
The CBA required the Raptors to fill at least one of their two open roster spots by tomorrow.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 7, 2021
So, it's Freddie Gillespie - a 23-year-old, 6-foot-9 PF, who averaged 10.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks on 57% FG in the G League this season. https://t.co/HuDEbAwYtE
With Gillespie coming to Tampa, what will he bring to the table for a Raptors team lacking in depth?
Freddie Gillespie gives the Toronto Raptors rebounding and defense
Gillespie is a complete non-factor on offense outside of the paint, and most of his points will be generated on easy looks near the basket, Luckily, Toronto isn’t asking him to score like Joel Embiid. They have a very specific need, and Gillespie helps plug that hole due to his verticality.
At 6-9, Gillespie was one of the G League’s best rebounders, and he helped secure the paint for the Hustle with aplomb, knocking down passes to create turnovers and rising up to swat away shots from anyone who dare challenge his paint. Aron Baynes has failed to accomplish that despite his reputation as a solid defender, and Gillespie could help rectify the issue.
As evidenced by the Gillespie signing and the selection of Pascal Siakam, Masai Ujiri and this front office seem to have a thing for players who started basketball later in their athletic careers. With a ton of untapped potential in Gillespie, there is reason to believe that his best seasons are still to come.
Freddie Gillespie has tons of potential
Donta Hall made a ton of sense for Toronto, but the Raptors seem to believe that Gillespite has a higher ceiling on the defensive end, which prompted the signing. If he comes in and immediately gives the Raptors some muscle and intimidation in the post, he could earn himself another contract with an enhanced role later down the line.
At the very least, Gillespie will be able to provide rebounding and defense in the short-term for a Raptors squad that is deficient in both. If he hits his stride, however, Toronto could have a potential gem on their hands given how quickly he has improved.
A former D-III player that transferred to Baylor and walked on before he earned playing time, it would be unwise to bet against Gillespie.