The Toronto Raptors opened up two vacant roster spots when they decided to trade away Dennis Schroder and Thad Young before waiving Spencer Dinwiddie. GM Bobby Webster hinted the team will use every possible avenue, including the G League and overseas, to fill those two holes.
Rather than convert semi-regular backup Jontay Porter to a standard NBA deal, Toronto has taken another one of his teammates from Mississauga and given him an NBA deal. This player has a bit more pedigree, as it is former Miami Heat lottery pick Justise Winslow.
Winslow signed with the 905 in order to give it one last go in the NBA as he tries to stick around. After showing he is far too skilled to be playing most of his minutes down in Mississauga. Toronto rewarded his comeback effort by giving him a chance to cut his teeth in the NBA for a brief period.
The Raptors signed Winslow to a 10-day contract, which could be the first of a couple before they make a decision on signing him for the remainder of the season. While not a long-term piece, it is nice to see his hard work rewarded with a chance to impress Darko Rajakovic.
Toronto also used a second 10-day contract on power forward Mouhamadou Gueye, who has been a double-double machine in Mississauga. Gueye and Winslow will get chances to show they can stick with the Raptors, as the NBA coaching staff will have more eyes on them for the rest of the year.
Free agent F Justise Winslow is signing a 10-day deal with the Toronto Raptors, sources tell ESPN. Winslow has been playing with the Raptors’ 905 G League team.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2024
Justise Winslow, Mouhamadou Gueye sign 10-day contracts with Toronto Raptors
Winslow was picked highly out of Duke due to his versatility, athleticism, and defense. The issue he had was never developing a diverse offensive skillset or 3-point shot. Since Miami cut him loose after four seasons, Winslow bounced around as a backup with teams like the Grizzlies, Clippers, and Trail Blazers.
In 13 regular season games for Raptors 905, Winslow averaged 16.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. While the jumper still isn't there, Winslow might do just enough to wiggle his way into a non-guaranteed contract next season if Toronto is impressed by his defense.
Gueye is averaging 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game while amassing just over 2.0 blocks per contest with Raptors 905. After some very impressive moments in Summer League play with the Raptors, Gueye will need to show he can be the next Chris Boucher success story as a skinny rim-running big.