Raptors: Should Toronto roll the dice on Tyrell Terry for G League?

The later rounds of the NBA Draft can be a very harsh mistress if you aren’t sure of what you’re doing. While the Toronto Raptors were able to snag a potential long-term contributor with the 29th pick in San Diego State stud Malachi Flynn, the Dallas Mavericks didn’t have the same success with Tyrell Terry.

Terry was selected with the 31st overall pick in 2020, as despite some concerns about his skinny frame, the Stanford alum was regarded as a tremendous scorer and shooter from the point guard position. He had all the makings of a solid backup for Luka Doncic in Dallas.

Unfortunately, after just a handful of minutes in 11 NBA games, Terry was among the final roster cuts for Dallas on Friday. Head coach Jason Kidd claims that he decided to go with a more experienced option in Frank Ntilikina than work with a young relative unknown like Terry.

The Raptors are still in the process of figuring out what the back end of their roster will look like in addition to their Raptors 905 squad in the G League. If they can figure out a way to make it work financially, they should absolutely consider throwing Terry into the mix for their 905 roster.

Should the Toronto Raptors take on Tyrell Terry?

In college, Terry averaged 14.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 44% from the floor and 41% from 3-point range. His Summer League splits this season were even better.

While he made just 31% of his shots in the NBA, his playing time was so infrequent that it’s tough to really put an accurate barometer on how well that translated to the NBA.

The Raptors have made a habit out of taking on players that have length and strength at their disposal. While Terry might not fit that directive, he was getting legit first-round hype as a prospect due to his offensive skills, and if the shot creation skills from Stanford are still there, he should be regarded as a quality developmental prospect.

Considering that Dalano Banton will likely spend a good chunk of time in Mississauga with 905, the Raptors could beat several other teams to the punch and add Terry to the G League ranks alongside the native Canadian and second-rounder David Johnson to form quite the backcourt combination.

It should be noted that Terry has been away from the team in spurts, even leaving training camp earlier this month. If Terry is in the right frame of mind to play basketball, and if Toronto gives him all of the comfort and support he needs, he could be worth taking on and developing.

The Raptors have their two-way spots covered in Johnson and Justin Champagnie, but considering all of the hype Terry had coming out of college, they won’t be the only team that will kick the tires on signing him.