The Toronto Raptors have all 20 spots full on their projected training camp roster, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are done with making some new additions. According to some of the latest buzz, Dennis Schroder was reportedly on their radar before joining the Lakers.
Schroder turned down both the Raptors and Phoenix Suns prior to his Los Angeles return. If Schroder was earnestly being linked to Toronto, the Raptors may have tipped their hand and showed that they are still looking for more competition behind Fred VanVleet in the preseason.
Dalano Banton and Malachi Flynn both have their strengths when forced into action, but the Raptors would be hard-pressed to say that their collection of backups are league-average at this moment in time. Fans asking for one more guaranteed deal to be discarded may be on to something.
The Raptors may move off one of the players currently on their roster if it means they can sign one of these free agents before the end of the offseason. They may not be roster locks, but they can give some of the young guns the motivational push they need to improve themselves.
Toronto Raptors: 3 free agent point guards to target.
3. Brandon Goodwin
The Raptors liked Goodwin’s game enough to sign him as a COVID-19 replacement, even though a positive test right before he joined the team eventually nullified that deal. Not to be discouraged after his inability to join Toronto, Goodwin quickly signed a contract with the Cavaliers.
Goodwin averaged 4.8 points and 2.5 assists per game while making a respectable 34.5% of his 3-point attempts. After two years with Atlanta, Goodwin displayed the explosion, hustle, and tremendous feel for the game needed to stick in the NBA. Unfortunately, it looks like Cleveland chose against retaining him.
The Toronto Raptors could use Brandon Goodwin.
Signing Goodwin would most definitely be an affront to Flynn, as the 6-0 guard has a very similar style of play. If the Raptors want to show their former first-round pick that he is on relatively thin ice, this would be one way to do it. Goodwin and Flynn pushing each other in camp could make for some nice competition.
Goodwin will not be the most high-ceiling signing in the world, but that’s not what Toronto needs. If he can show enough promise to unseat one of the more established players and keep pressure on the backcourt, Goodwin might be worth picking up.