Dwane Casey and the Raptors are re-emphasizing defense.
Ronald Roberts might help.
Roberts went undrafted out of St. Joseph’s in 2014, and he has since played overseas and in the D-League. He also played for the Raptors’ summer-league team this year.
Unlike Michale Kyser and Axel Toupane – who’ve reportedly signed partially guaranteed deals with Toronto – Roberts can’t be waived and assigned to the Raptors’ D-League affiliate. Roberts’ D-League rights are already held by the Santa Cruz Warriors. If Toronto waives him and he wants to join the D-League, he’d have to join the Warriors’ affiliate (or get traded).
That could give Roberts a leg up in taking the Raptors’ 15th and final roster spot.
His guarantee could matter, too. It’s unclear how that compares to Kyser and Toupane, but it’s possible each received only a small guarantee designed to convince them to come to training camp.
Of course, Roberts’ performance on the court will matter most. He’s an energy player and a leaper, though his ball skills are unrefined.
The Raptors have only the minimum exception left to chase veterans, and they should try to land someone. But if they don’t get anyone proven, I could see Roberts making the team.