The Toronto Raptors found it almost impossible to fill their final roster spot due to the presence of Goran Dragic on the roster. When he was traded away for Thad Young, the Raptors freed up enough financial wiggle room to make a 10-day signing in the form of Armoni Brooks.
After a solid first season in the league with the Houston Rockets, Brooks was waived at the trade deadline. His 3-point shooting takes a step backward. Toronto took a flier on him because they were intrigued by his ability to handle the ball, pull up from deep, and defend with his long wingspan.
Brooks is making just 28% of his 3-pointers, which is where most of his value lies. That might not sound super impressive. However, the fact that he’s already jumped over Dalano Banton in the rotation proves that he is quickly integrating himself into Toronto’s scheme and culture.
The Raptors will likely sign Brooks to a third 10-day deal or give him a contract for the remainder of the season. Not only is he worthy of both of those contract offers, but he’s done so well in such limited spurts that Toronto should keep him around for the 2022-23 season as well.
Nurse says Armoni Brooks has a pretty good feel, doesn't make a lot of mistakes. Says he isn't afraid to take shots and he hit a huge one for them last night.
— Oren Weisfeld (@OrenWeisfeld) March 21, 2022
The Toronto Raptors should retain Armoni Brooks.
Brooks fills two of Toronto’s biggest needs. On top of the fact that his 2020-21 season showed that he can be an above-average 3-point shooter, he can handle the ball as a point guard on offense without getting abused on the defensive side of the ball.
Blending Malachi Flynn’s offensive aggression and Banton’s hustle, Brooks has quickly endeared himself to this coaching staff.
Still, Brooks needs to start hitting his 3-pointers. That was the main reason Toronto even decided to get rid of DJ Wilson and bring him in was his consistency from deep. While he will likely get things turned around soon, Toronto would like for him to start picking things up before the postseason comes around.
"Whenever you get an opportunity to get in the game, just find a way to leave your mark in whatever way that is."
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 22, 2022
Armoni Brooks comments on what it's like to be on a second 10-day contract for the Raptors. pic.twitter.com/gLKmfuZl9m
Last year, the Raptors signed Yuta Watanabe to a contract with a partial guarantee for the following season after his Tampa breakout. Considering the complementary skills Brooks brings to the table, he’s earned a much longer look. He may be the bench gunner this team has been searching for.
While his performance was declining on a tanking Houston team, joining a more successful and structured environment might be the secret ingredient that makes the lightbulb come on. This is an ideal guard to have at the back end of the bench.