Toronto Raptors: Yuta Watanabe signing an NBA deal speaks to his fit long-term

Coming into the season, no one really knew what to make of Toronto Raptors two-way player Yuta Watanabe. He could defend some yes, but what position was he best served at? Furthermore, was he going to evolve his offensive game?

Watanabe didn’t get off to the greatest start, but he soon found a foothold in Toronto, as his carved out a nice for himself as a high-energy defender off of the bench who can hit an open jumper when called upon.

Watanabe is staying with the Raptors for the foreseeable future after signing a standard contract with the team this morning. The 6-9 small forward has been playing on a two-way contract this season, but he’s finally secured himself a foothold in the NBA.

The Raptors want Watanabe to continue being a versatile wing player that brings high energy off the bench. If he continues to get better, Watanabe will be a solid contributor off the bench in years to come. He is long, can run the floor, and has an improving offensive repertoire.

The Watanabe contract could look like a bargain if he keeps improving.

Yuta Watanabe will remain a big part of the Toronto Raptors rotation

Outside of Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, he is the only forward with real ball-handling and playmaking abilities on the team. While averaging 13.4 minutes per game this season, Watanabe has had a 21 point game, an eight-rebound game, and a game with four assists despite all the ball-handlers on the team.

Watanabe’s signing should mean the team will give him more autonomy on the court, letting him handle the ball more and giving him more shots on the offensive end. Watanabe is shooting 40% from three this season and 61.9% within five feet of the basket. These are great numbers for a young player in today’s NBA that emphasizes scoring at the rim and behind the arc.

Watanabe’s numbers this month and resilience throughout the season are indicative of an NBA pro. Remember, this is the same guy that Anthony Edwards put on a poster early in the season.

Watanabe will never be able to live that moment down, it will probably be an expensive NFT. Still, the moment didn’t ruin his confidence as a player. This type of resilience fits right in line with the Raptors culture and guys like Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry.

This month, playing 19.8 minutes per game, Watanabe is averaging 8.7 points and 4.2 rebounds. He is proving to be a better version of Rodney Hood, at this stage of Hood’s career.

Watanabe can get his hands in passing lanes and contest shots because of his length and height. When paired with a non-stop motor, it becomes clear what his role in the NBA is. He should only get better as he becomes more familiar with Nick Nurse’s defensive philosophy and his teammates.