Toronto Raptors 2019 champion eyeing shock return to NBA

While many members of the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship team are still playing important roles for championship clubs, a few of the role players on the back end of the roster have not been so lucky. Noted good luck charm Patrick McCaw has found life after the title somewhat difficult.

McCaw had the good fortune of winning three championships in his first three seasons in the NBA. After joining in two straight Warriors triumphs, he hooked up with Toronto and watched his old squad fall to the might of Kawhi Leonard and one of the deepest teams in recent memory.

Unfortunately, McCaw’s tenure in Toronto never really got out of first or second gear. Just when it looked like he was starting to take off, injuries sidelined him. Even with that, McCaw is doing everything he can to get one last chance at making a roster in the NBA.

McCaw, who is playing for Team USA in FIBA AmeriCup play, is trying to get back into the NBA, believing this tournament will “open up some doors again” if he plays well. At his best, McCaw was someone worthy of a spot on a contending team. Will he be able to carve out a nice role for himself?

Toronto Raptors: Will Patrick McCaw return to the NBA?

McCaw averaged 2.7 points per game in just over 13 minutes per game with the title-winning Raptors, yet he still managed to start 12 games the following year and set a new career-best mark with 4.6 points per game. A 32% 3-point shooter that year, McCaw looked well on his way to fixing what was a massive flaw for him.

The following season in Tampa was a disaster. Injuries limited him to just a few cups of coffee over five games. McCaw’s next stop was the Delaware Blue Coats, in the NBA G League, where his production was somewhat limited. It’ll take quite the forgiving GM to bring him into the fold.

McCaw is still the same rail-thin 6-7 guard he was when Toronto scooped him up, can handle the ball decently enough while knocking down the open jumper or two when you need him to. Will some team kick the tires? An Exhibit 10 contract might not be the worst idea in the world.

McCaw kept drawing interest from contenders in his prime, with his health being the main reason that he was not given a longer leash in the NBA. A healthy McCaw might be a fun bench piece to play around with given how young he is.