Raptors: 3 players who may not finish the season in Toronto
By Mike Luciano
2. Freddie Gillespie
Gillespie looked like a lock to make the roster this year, as he provided Toronto with energy end rebounding off of the bench last year when they were suffering due to a lack of true centers on the roster. The script has been completely flipped after Summer League, as Gillespie turned in some horrid performances.
Gillespie averaged just 2.2 points per game in Vegas, making a pitiful 22.7% of his shots, most of which were around the basket. With 3.6 fouls per game on average, he was constantly in foul trouble, which made it tough to defend the rim at the level Toronto expected.
Raptors summer league notebook: Scottie Barnes fuels a comeback, Freddie Gillespie continues to struggle, roster updates, and more https://t.co/SjIukj3MRv
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) August 15, 2021
Will Freddie Gillespie bounce back for the Toronto Raptors?
Gillespie’s value lies almost entirely in his interior finishing, defensive effort, and rebounding. If he is failing to accomplish these tasks in Summer League play, that doesn’t exactly set the best tone for the regular season.
Given the lack of true centers on the roster and his familiarity with the schemes, Gillespie may have a leg up on some of the other non-guaranteed players. However, Gillespie should assume that nothing is guaranteed after his Vegas showing. The moment an upgrade presents itself, he could be out of the door.