The 2022-23 Toronto Raptors was a roster constructed to be tall, lengthy, and disruptive on the defensive end. As a result, the only surviving true guard was Fred VanVleet. The 6-1 point guard played 36.7 minutes per game, sixth in the NBA, with no other point guard to back him up.
In the short time when VanVleet was off the floor, ball-handling duties would fall to potential trade chip Pascal Siakam or Scottie Barnes. Though they are capable ball handlers, our failure to have productive bench pieces was a contributing factor to many of the Raptors’ 41 losses this season.
If the Raptors want VanVleet to accept his player option, it should be a priority to find him a proper backup. Although the bench contains Malachi Flynn, he has yet to show up in meaningful NBA minutes, and the front office should seek help in the free agency pool.
In a guard, the Raptors should look the ability to run the offense in VanVleet’s absence, shoot well from outside, and guard his position. Staying injury-free is also a valuable asset as the Raptors must stay healthy down the stretch if they want to be playoff hopefuls. With these factors in mind, here are 3 backup point guards the Raptors can sign this off-season.
3 Backup point guards the Toronto Raptors could sign in free agency
3. Jevon Carter
A top member of the Milwaukee Bucks’ bench unit this past season, Jevon Carter is the epitome of a true defense-first point. In 81 games this season, Carter averaged 8.0 points and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 42% on 4.2 3-point attempts. His outside shooting and playmaking ability would be of huge value to the Raptors’ rotation.
On the defensive end of the floor, Carter has made his name as a tough on-ball defender. Carter was among the best statistical defenders in the NBA, and the eye test backs it up. He has quick feet, fast hands, and an excellent ability to contain ball handlers. His defense in Toronto would give the Raptors yet another defensive weapon.
Jevon Carter is a cheap option for the Toronto Raptors.
Carter is also an incredibly healthy athlete. The 27-year-old has played 5 seasons in the NBA and played 60+ games in 3 consecutive seasons, missing just one game in 2023. Injury prevention like this could be a huge asset to a Raptors team that seems to be plagued with injuries.
Carter currently faces a player option with Milwaukee. If he opts in, he would be paid just $2.2 million. After his season of hounding defense and lights-out shooting, he would be a highly sought-after player in free agency. If he elects to hit the market, the Raptors would be making the right move by picking up the phone.
2. Gabe Vincent
An undrafted point guard out of UC Santa Barbara, Vincent made a name for himself this past season with the Miami Heat. In the regular season, Vincent averaged 9.4 points and 2.5 assists per game in 25 minutes off the bench. In his current playoff run with the Heat, Vincent has come alive and is shooting over 50% from outside against the Boston Celtics.
In the Raptors rotation, Vincent brings playoff experience, playmaking, and outside shooting. As a ball handler, Vincent can run an offense and find rollers and shooters. His three-point shooting has evolved over his career and has become more efficient. He is also a very capable defender in isolation and in help situations.
Gabe Vincent would boost the Toronto Raptors.
Much like Carter, Vincent stays healthy through the regular season, and his consistency will be extremely valuable in our rotation. Playing 68 games in consecutive seasons, Vincent is always ready to get on the court and contribute. With the Raptors looking to get back into playoff contention, healthy role players will make all the difference.
In his final year of a $3.5 million contract, Vincent faces the market as an unrestricted free agent this summer. Thanks to his excellent regular season and highly efficient playoff run, Vincent will be getting lots of phone calls from around the league. The Raptors front office would be wise to consider a contract offer.
1. Cory Joseph
A native of Pickering, Joseph is a hometown hero among Raptors fans. A former Raptor, Joseph is vocal about his love for the city and the team. Currently a member of the Detroit Pistons, Joseph averaged 6.9 points, 3.5 assists, and shot 39% on 2.9 3PA in 2023.
As a point guard, Joseph is a floor general. He is able to be the primary ball handler the Raptors need when Fred is not on the floor. He has been an above-average outside shooter for three consecutive seasons and can bring scoring production, something the Raptors desperately need.
Cory Joseph fills a need for the Toronto Raptors.
On the defensive end of the floor, Joseph is average and capable. He is no Jevon Carter, but within the Raptors system, he can participate and not look lost. Joseph also possesses an ability to stay healthy, playing 60+ games in 10 consecutive seasons and playing over 80 games four times.
Hitting free agency this summer as an unrestricted free agent, Joseph should be getting a call from the Toronto Raptors. His last contract earned him $12 million per year, but as he has moved onto the bench and is getting later into his career, it is possible to see a much cheaper contract this time.
Plus, with Joseph’s ties to the Toronto area and the Raptors, there is a chance he would welcome the reunion with open arms.