Raptors adding solid shooter Joe Wieskamp on 10-day contract

The Toronto Raptors decided to waive former undrafted free agent Justin Champagnie one week ago, as they didn’t see a path to playing time for him despite some poor results from the rest of the team. Toronto needs players that show more competency from 3-point range.

Waiving Champagnie was partially motivated by avoiding paying him some guaranteed money, but it also gave the Raptors a chance to add some more shooting. The team ranks near the bottom of the league in most shooting categories, so any help is needed.

While the San Antonio Spurs used the No. 41 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft on former Iowa guard Joe Wieskamp, Gregg Popovich was entranced by his ability to easily make contested shots. While he fizzled out in San Antonio, Wieskamp’s NBA journey is far from over. Masai Ujiri seemed inclined to give him another shot.

Wieskamp, who had spent parts of the 2022-23 season with the Wisconsin Herd, signed a 10-day contract with the Raptors. Toronto will have two weeks to figure out if the deadeye has enough shooting to carve out a role with this team for the remainder of the season.

The Toronto Raptors signed Joe Wieskamp to a 10-day contract.

Wieskamp averaged just 2.1 points per game and made 33% of his 3-point attempts. Considering that he isn’t going to be a very good defender, Wieskamp’s value lies entirely with his shooting. Luckily for the Raptors, his college performance suggests that he could be a valuable player.

Wieskamp made over 41% of his 3-pointers on just under five attempts per game with the Hawkeyes. A two-time All-Big Ten selection in college, Wieskamp definitely has potential on offense if the right combination of coaches can get a hold of him and even out his flaws.

In 41 G League games, Wieskamp has averaged around 16 points per game while nailing just under 40% of his 3-point attempts. While Dalano Banton has proved that G League success doesn’t always translate, the Raptors might be able to work with a player of Wieskamp’s caliber.

The Raptors took a chance on another discarded shooter in Armoni Brooks last year. While he is no longer with the team, he provided adequate depth amid some injuries and earned a contract that lasted until the end of the season. Wieskamp could be in for a similar stay if he starts off hot in his Raptors tenure.