Toronto Raptors: Making a roster case for all 3 non-guaranteed players

The Toronto Raptors are on the verge of finally setting their 15-man roster after finishing up their postseason grind against the Washington Wizards. After waiving Freddie Gillespie and Reggie Perry, Nick Nurse must select two of either Isaac Bonga, Ishmail Wainright, or Sam Dekker to secure the final roster spots.

All three of these players bring something different to the table. Bonga is a long perimeter defender who can handle the ball, Dekker is a former first-round pick with a much-improved jump shot, and Wainright is a former tight end that pairs his muscular frame with some quality perimeter shooting.

Considering the plethora of injuries Toronto had last year, and when factoring in how those injuries helped Yuta Watanabe emerge as a quality NBA player, this is not a decision that needs to be taken lightly. This could have a real impact on the outcome of some games later in the season.

All three of these players look like they belong in the NBA, making the decision even harder for Nurse and the front office. These 3 Toronto Raptors all have a case to be made for their inclusion on the roster, it just depends on which ones the front office will hear and accept.

Why each Toronto Raptors non-guaranteed player should make the roster.

SF Isaac Bonga

Isaac Bonga started during the final preseason game, which is perhaps an indication that Nurse is leaning towards keeping him. Bonga earned some praise for his performance in a game against the Rockets, as the perimeter defense that has carried him in his career has once again come through for him.

Bonga was drafted as a point guard, but even despite his lanky sub-200 pound frame, he’s become a solid wing defender in this league, and a Raptors team that has placed more of a premium on length than any other squad in the league during the offseason might just be intrigued enough to roll the dice on the German national team player.

Isaac Bonga gives the Toronto Raptors perimeter defense and experience.

It’s very rare to say that the 22-year-old is the most experienced member of this group, but between his Lakers and Wizards stints, Bonga has a decent chunk of experience in the NBA. Will Nurse factor that into the equation when he’s considering which players are going to stick around?

The drawback is that Bonga is the worst offensive player of the remaining three. not only was he a net negative on the offensive end in Washington, but he almost looked nervous and skittish. While Nurse should get him to improve his jumper somewhat, Bonga making this team will almost be entirely reliant on his defensive abilities.

SF Sam Dekker

Sam Dekker seemed like a long shot to make the roster given how infrequently he was given minutes earlier in the preseason, but that second half against Washington completely flipped the script. Dekker looked less like a former first-round bust and more like the dynamic scorer we saw at Wisconsin.

Dekker scored 18 points in the finale, making seven of his 10 shots and four of his five 3-point attempts. The much-improved averages that he put up overseas in Turkey appear to have translated over to the NBA, and that could be what gives him the edge on a squad that is currently deficient in shooting.

Sam Dekker could give the Toronto Raptors more shooting.

The trouble with Dekker is the fact that he essentially had one good half of preseason play. Is that enough to warrant getting a roster spot? Likewise, he’s not the best defender in the world, and that has to be considered when rounding out the back end of this roster.

Dekker had his time to shine, and he took full advantage. One has to believe that one of the reasons that Nurse hasn’t decided on the final roster yet was Dekker’s fantastic game against the Wizards. If Toronto wants one more catch-and-shoot guy among their reserves, Dekker could win the job.

PF Ishmail Wainright

If the team was going to let Raptors Twitter or the media pick the final spots, Ishmail Wainright would almost certainly avoid getting cut. On top of the fact that he’s a tremendous interview due to his vibrant personality, his high motor and ability to give post players fits due to his stocky body have won the hearts of fans.

Wainright not only showed off that same blend of defense that helped him stand out overseas in France, but he made half of his 3-point attempts, showing that he is a much-improved offensive player, which has been one of the biggest questions surrounding the Ugandan national team star.

Ishmail Wainright would help the Toronto Raptors in the paint.

The case against Wainright could come in the form of a logjam in the frontcourt. With Pascal Siakam and Chris Boucher eventually coming back, and with the likes of Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa, and Justin Champagnie coming off impressive preseasons, would Toronto sacrifice perimeter skill for yet another post player?

Ultimately, Wainright has shown enough, in our opinion, to make it onto the final roster. he’s quick enough to hang on the perimeter for a few possessions, and his lack of tremendous height isn’t exactly a huge detriment. If the Raptors need paint reinforcements, expect to see Wainright on the shortlist.