Armoni Brooks has earned 2022-23 contract with Raptors

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.

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.

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.