3 Raptors who could lose playing time after NBA Draft moves

2. Yuta Watanabe

Watanabe might be a free agent, but considering his relative cheapness and the fact that he has pined for a return, all angles point to a return. Unfortunately for Yuta, he might walk into a situation where his avenues for rotation time could be completely closed up.

Suppose Yuta is viewed as a perimeter-oriented player. In that case, Brooks coming in with a year of seasoning in Toronto’s system and the return of Svi Mykhailiuk will be somewhat noteworthy holes for Watanabe to overcome. If he’s viewed as more of a frontcourt name than he was in past seasons, Koloko could butt in and steal time.

Yuta Watanabe may lose time in the Toronto Raptors’ rotation.

Watanabe became a beloved player thanks to his motor and quality defense, but the Japanese sensation was nearly excommunicated from the rotation for the last few months. His spot as anything more than a mop-up wing is not guaranteed, especially if Harper starts to star.

If Harper’s style of play translates to the pros, leaning on the younger player over a player like Watanabe who is pushing 30 could appeal to Nurse. If Yuta returns to Toronto, it will come with the knowledge that he will need to fight for every minute of playing time.