1 reason each Raptors roster bubble player could make the team

Dec 26, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Raptors forward D.J. Wilson (9) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32). Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Raptors forward D.J. Wilson (9) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32). Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Raptors, Juancho Hernangomez
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 18: Juancho Hernangomez #41 of the Utah Jazz looks for a pass against Rodney Hood #22 and Amir Coffey #7 of the Los Angeles Clippers (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Juancho Hernangomez: Shooting

Hernangomez, who figures to be the favorite for that final spot given his guaranteed contract, was signed with the knowledge that he was going to be a bit of a reclamation project. While he’s coming off a down season, his ability to be a solid shooter might give him an edge over the deficient Wilson and ineffective Jackson.

Hernangomez is a career 35% 3-point shooter, despite often playing limited minutes in a bench role that doesn’t give him a ton of time to get in a groove. Adding Otto Porter Jr. will help the offense, but more shooting (irrespective of how small it may be) is going to help this team.

Juancho Hernangomez could give the Toronto Raptors shooting.

After Hernangomez struggled in national team competition with Spain, he’ll need to show that his numbers are more of an anomaly than a trend that will carry into the season. Toronto needs the Hernangomez that was scoring in Minnesota, not the one who was bouncing around the league.

The guarantee was not given to Hernangomez out of complete randomness. Toronto clearly thinks they have the infrastructure needed to get him back on the straight and narrow. If he beats out Wilson and Jackson, it will be because of his more expansive offensive game from the perimeter.