The Toronto Raptors have entered a youth movement. It's possible that movement is temporary, a reshuffling and reinvigorating of the roster before they push for a playoff berth once more. It's also possible the Raptors stretch this chapter out for a season or two and develop a solid foundation around All-Star forward Scottie Barnes.
The candidates to build that foundation can be found on the Raptors' 2024 NBA Summer League roster. The Raptors are joining most of the league in Las Vegas this July and have brought a roster of 16 players to both compete and prove themselves to the Raptors and the rest of the league.
Some players are looking to cement a spot in the rotation, while others are hoping to earn a roster spot. A few are auditioning for NBA teams, yes, but also hoping international scouts catch a glimpse and give them better opportunities if they need to take their talents overseas.
Who is playing for the Raptors this year? Let's introduce you to the entire roster, starting with the bigs.
The Bigs
Fardaws Aimaq: A Canadian center who is 25 years old despite just finishing his sixth and final season of college last season, Aimaq is a double-double machine. He led the nation in rebounding in 2021 playing for Utah Valley, and averaged 14.5 points and 11 rebounds per game last season for California. He was a late addition to the roster, replacing former Gonzaga All-American Drew Timme, who signed with the Sacramento Kings.
Branden Carlson: The all-time blocks leader in Utah Ute history, Branden Carlson heads to Las Vegas having signed a two-way contract with the Raptors. What will be key to watch is not whether he dominates the pain defensively; that should be his strongest skill. It's whether his 3-point shot, which improved to 37.9 percent last season, is a real weapon. if it is, the path to playing time spacing the court next to Barnes and company could come alive.
Ulrich Chomche: A product of the NBA Academy in Africa, the 6'11" Ulrich Chomche was drafted with the penultimate pick of the 2024 NBA Draft. Toronto has had success taking a swing on raw Cameroonian players before, and they hope Chomche develops into a long-term backup center option. Can he keep up with the speed of the NBA game, even at the Summer League level? He may be two years away, or he may be two years away from being two years away.