As the Toronto Raptors get ready to begin their 2022-23 season, it’s time to take a look at all 20 members of their training camp roster and analyze how each will fit into the puzzle for next year. Gabe Brown was a late addition, but the Exhibit 10 signing has a great deal of potential.
Brown, who spent some time with the Thunder after a standout college career with the Michigan State Spartans, fits Masai Ujiri’s developmental mold. At 6-8 with a long wingspan and the ability to knock down corner 3-pointers, Brown has traits that are worth developing.
While the Exhibit 10 contract will allow Brown to compete for a spot on the Raptors’ opening night roster, the expectation is that he will be stored away with the G League team. After Reggie Perry earned some NBA minutes with Portland last year, it’s clear that Exhibit 10 guys are valued more than random minor leaguers.
The Raptors could have used their final training camp spot on a proven veteran, but their decision to go for Brown speaks to the potential that they see in a player like him. What will a successful season look like for Brown as he tries to establish himself?
Welcome to the squad, @_Going_Pro_ #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/IQNGak3fRy
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) August 3, 2022
Toronto Raptors season preview: How will Gabe Brown perform?
Stats: 11.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 43% FG, 38% 3PT
Brown is wasting no time getting ingrained with his new teammates, as he could be spotted at the Rico Hines runs. Getting that familiarity with even a baby’s first version of the offensive scheme may give him a slight leg up over other fringe roster players.
The Raptors are fully aware that Brown is going to take some time to develop, as he doesn’t offer much as an on-ball creator offensively. Still, the Raptors have turned more raw players into studs, so Brown could be in line for a similar production bump.
Positives
Brown is a solid 3-point shooter who was a leader on and off the court for the Spartans this season. A pesky defender who will be able to guard multiple positions after some seasoning in the G League, Brown is the type of young player who has often thrived with the Raptors.
Negatives
Brown only had one season of truly exceptional offensive production in college, and he is not particularly adept at creating his own shot on the offensive end. These issues might take more than just a few weeks under Eric Khoury to solve, limiting the immediate returns Toronto could get out of him.
Gabe Brown will forgo his remaining eligibility at Michigan State and declare for the 2022 NBA draft. The All-Big Ten wing will sign with agents Steve Haney and Pedro Power of Parlay Sports. Bouncy 3'n'D prospect shot 40% for 3 the past two seasons. Highlights: pic.twitter.com/fCiKWaBXqj
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 26, 2022
Expectations
The Raptors signed Brown with the expectation that he’d be a long-term developmental project. He’ll likely spend most of his time with Raptors 905. However, if he can become a bit more aggressive on the offensive end while retaining the energy on defense Toronto loved, he could get a few cups of coffee in the NBA.