The Toronto Raptors’ primary goal in Summer League was to make sure that first-round pick Gradey Dick was put in the best position to succeed on both ends of the floor. Now that Dick has flexed his muscles, the focus is shifting to Joe Wieskamp and players competing for a spot on the back end of the roster.
Outside of Markquis Nowell’s tremendous passing ability and Moses Brown proving that he is worthy of a professional contract, there has been very little to write home about for a winless Raptors team. Wieskamp’s poor play has been one of the main reasons that Toronto is where they are.
Wieskamp, who was picked slightly before Dalano Banton in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, has made just seven of his 24 shots in Summer League play. Sixteen of those shots were 3-pointers, and he connected on a paltry three of them.
Wieskamp’s contract was supposed to become fully guaranteed for the 2023-24 season in June, but the guaranteed date was pushed back to July 18. Rather than proving that he is worthy of a roster spot, Wieskamp put up some horrendous shooting numbers.
Wieskamp continuing the long tradition of Raptors who theoretically can shoot, but cannot actually.
— Raptors Report (@RapsReport) July 9, 2023
Will the Toronto Raptors keep Joe Wieskamp in 2023-24?
Wieskamp is not a particularly fantastic defender beyond being a hustle guy, and his overall offensive game has some holes. His value is based almost entirely on 3-point shooting. When he’s hot, he could sell himself as a low-cost reinforcement that helps Toronto fix one of the most significant issues on the roster.
When he’s struggling, however, it calls into question what the Raptors are doing by giving him one of the limited roster spots. He started hot last year, but he regressed to the point of being unplayable later in the season. Summer League didn’t exactly change his fortunes.
Toronto’s decision on Wieskamp may be made after some free agency surveying. If they can find a veteran who will come in on a minimum deal and take up the final roster spot, Wieskamp, and his inconsistent 3-point shot, will likely be tossed aside in favor of someone that can be a more immediate performer in more areas.
So you're telling me it wasn't Nick Nurse's fault that Wieskamp isn't an NBA player?
— Lior (@LiorKozai) July 9, 2023
Truly shocking stuff
Wieskamp had an opportunity to solidify his roster spot with the Raptors, and he has stepped on a rake like Sideshow Bob in his quest to do so. His status on the Raptors went from a likely end-of-the-bench sniper to a cut candidate in just a few weeks.