Good, Better Best: 3 ways for Raptors to fill final roster spot
By Mike Luciano
Better: Convert the two-way contract of Justin Champagnie
Champagnie was originally signed with the intention of sticking him down in the G League while the Raptors 905 staff worked on his offensive game. While he hasn’t seen much NBA playing time lately, Champagnie was earning more playing time than Dalano Banton at one point.
Champagnie’s two-way contract would prevent him from seeing postseason action if Toronto makes it. While there is a very small chance he is in the postseason rotation, adding him to the roster for the remainder of this season and, potentially, the start of 2022-23.
The Toronto Raptors have been impressed with Justin Champagnie.
Champagnie, who has helped the Raptors be much more productive on both ends when he is on the floor, has shown enough as a rebounder to earn a deal that keeps him in Toronto for 2022 and beyond. Yuta Watanabe remains on the roster after earning an elevation from his two-way last season.
Rather than going for a buyout addition that completely changes the rotation, Toronto can give Champagnie the contract that his play deserved. The rotation stays intact while a young player that has exceeded even the most optimistic expectations earns a well-deserved promotion.