What can 10-day signing Daniel Oturu bring to the Toronto Raptors?

The Toronto Raptors weren’t done deactivating players due to COVID-19, as Khem Birch, Isaac Bonga, and Justin Champagnie entered the health and safety protocols. This means that a fourth 10-day hardship player needed to be signed. Toronto filled that hole by signing center Daniel Oturu.

After some issues bringing in Brandon Goodwin and Nik Stauskas, Toronto eventually managed to sign Juwan Morgan, DJ Wilson, and Tremont Waters on 10-day deals. Oturu was added from the G League’s Windy City Bulls in order to give the Raptors more young playmakers on the interior.

The Raptors currently do not have a center on the roster, as Birch, Pascal Siakam, and Precious Achiuwa are all in the health and safety protocols and may not return for a while. Look for Oturu, Wilson, and Chris Boucher to hold down the fort until everyone gets back.

The Raptors officially agreed to terms with Oturu on a 10-day contract, meaning he could help give Toronto depth until their afflicted players return to full health. What kind of player are the Raptors getting in Oturu? Is there a chance that he ends up earning a second contract?

Daniel Oturu brings offensive potential to the Toronto Raptors.

Oturu was dominant during his college days at Minnesota, as he averaged 20.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. After being picked 33rd overall in 2020, just four selections after Malachi Flynn, Oturu spent his rookie season with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Oturu averaged 20.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in the G League. Oturu was able to accomplish that thanks to some impressive athletic ability, feel for the game in the post, and pure strength. A solid offensive rebounder with a robust wingspan, Oturu looks like the type of player Toronto is interested in developing.

Expect Oturu to exhibit many of the small-ball center trades Nick Nurse loves with a bit more bulk down in the paint. While he’s not a great defender at this point outside of blocking shots, he might be a better offensive option than Wilson or Morgan due to his ability to handle the ball and spot-up as a shooter.

He’ll remind Raptors fans of Serge Ibaka. Perhaps he’s a store-brand version of the former champion who could evolve into a solid NBA backup.

The Raptors may not keep Oturu for very long, as he could be on his way out when Siakam and Achiuwa return. However, if he outplays Wilson and Morgan, there is a chance that Toronto is intrigued enough by his skills on offense to sign him to a second 10-day deal.