Grading Raptors’ free agent signings early in 2022-23 season

Thad Young

Young’s usage, or lack thereof, has been odd. Once regarded as an indispensable member of the rotation that would provide his usual blend of veteran savvy, Nick Nurse has chosen to drop him from the rotation almost entirely, save for a few garbage time minutes when the outcome has already been decided.

Young is playing just eight minutes per game and averaging 2.4 points per game in that time. While he didn’t have his best start to the season in the team’s 1-2 start, the fact that he has been completely blackballed from the rotation in the last few games seems a bit strange.

The Toronto Raptors are not using Thad Young.

Young seems to have planned for the event that Toronto could theoretically ditch him after this year, as he has just $1 million guaranteed in his deal prior to June 30, 2023. The Raptors would be foolish to do that, if you’ll allow for some editorializing. He’s too valuable just to discard.

Young might not be the explosive athlete or dominant scorer he once was, but it’s clear that he can help this team in the right role. While Nurse will likely come to some sort of understanding with him that leads to more playing time, that will have to come soon if he wants to justify the contract.

Grade: C-