Toronto Raptors: 3 surprise free agents who could sign 1-year deals

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: Spencer Dinwiddie #26 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball on offense against the Chicago Bulls in the first half at Barclays Center on March 08, 2020 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: Spencer Dinwiddie #26 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball on offense against the Chicago Bulls in the first half at Barclays Center on March 08, 2020 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO – APRIL 26: Justise Winslow #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies  (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – APRIL 26: Justise Winslow #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies  (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)

2. Justise Winslow

Justise Winslow is no stranger to the ups and downs that sometimes comes with being a professional basketball player. The touted Duke star was the 10th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft and earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors before his career began to be derailed by injuries.

When Winslow can play and is given minutes he has shown serious promise to be an impact player in an NBA lineup. The 25-year-old swingman is a versatile piece who can get it done on both ends of the floor. Winslow can put up stats with his hard-nosed style of play, but he is also a defensive clamp who has routinely been put on the opponent’s best player in the past.

Justise Winslow could obtain consistency with the Toronto Raptors.

Winslow has been hard-pressed to get consistent minutes in recent seasons with his injuries taking him in and out of the lineup. Memphis very well may choose to retain the young player with the club option, but it is more than possible they cut him loose as well.

Winslow is a swiss army knife who could bounce around the Raptors’ lineup in different roles, but always maintain consistent playing time if he can display his offensive and defensive acumen. Winslow would fit right into the Raptors culture with his defensive mindset and work ethic. Nick Nurse would love this guy.