Being the NBA's sole non-US based franchise is always a challenging task. Therefore, any opportunity to enhance the Raptors' roster with homegrown Canadian talent is definitely a positive.
After parting ways with injury-prone guard DJ Carton, who was on a two-way contract, the Toronto Raptors shifted their focus to former Dallas Mavericks guard AJ Lawson.
Raptors sign AJ Lawson to a two-way deal
As an undrafted rookie, AJ Lawson entered the league in the 2021 NBA Draft, having spent three collegiate seasons playing for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Lawson's NBA claim to fame was a two-year stint with the Dallas Mavericks, during which he appeared in 42 games last season. Averaging a measly 3.2 points in just 7.4 minutes per game, he never managed to break into the Mavericks' rotation, instead relegated to the bench as a back end reserve.
The team's focus on winning an NBA title meant that Lawson's opportunities were limited.
Lawson would initially be waived by the Mavericks in early October, but was subsequently signed to a two-way deal on October 11. However, his stint with the team was short-lived, as he was waived for good just days later on October 18.
Since then, the 24-year-old Toronto native has been thriving in the G League, averaging 24 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
Lawson has had five separate stints in the NBA G League, playing for the College Park Skyhawks twice, as well as the Iowa Wolves, Texas Legends, and most recently the Long Island Nets.
Lawson's addition to the Toronto Raptors is a familiar face for his fellow countrymen RJ Barrett and Kelly Olynyk, with whom he has crossed paths as a member of Canada Basketball's senior men's national team during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americas Qualifiers.
Toronto Man Acquired 🍁✅ https://t.co/RwZjh7B6h0 pic.twitter.com/yx0co6vAcd
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 11, 2024
In total, the Toronto Raptors organization boasts six Canadian players, comprising the main roster and the 905 G League squad: Eugene Omoruyi and Quincy Guerrier from the Raptors 905, as well as Kelly Olynyk, Chris Boucher, RJ Barrett, and the recently signed AJ Lawson.
As AJ Lawson takes to the court, will he finally breakout in his natural habitat or serve as merely a depth addition?
While it's unlikely he'll make a meteoric rise to stardom, AJ Lawson has the potential to become a fan favorite, joining the list of beloved Canadians in the Raptors community that fans can rally behind.