The Raptors’ time in Vegas didn’t end on a high note. After a promising first two games, Toronto fizzled out and got blown out in their last game against the Miami Heat. One bright spot of the Raptors’ time in Vegas was the team getting a look at their three two-way players for this coming season. With the Raptors looking for as much talent as they can find, can any of the two-way players crack the main roster next season?
Can the Raptors Find a Hidden Gem On A Two-Way Deal?
Returning Two-Way Player
You might remember D.J. Carton from the Raptors’ previous season. The 6-2 guard played four games with the main team last season. Unfountaly, he suffered an ankle injury shortly after getting the call-up and couldn’t show much. What Carton has demonstrated during his time with the Raptors, in the G-league, and this summer is a high-level slashing and solid defense. He hasn’t shown he is a reliable outside shooter, connecting on just 31% of his threes across the G-league, NBA, and Summer League. Carton has played well in Vegas but hasn’t stood out and is still struggling to shoot from deep. The Raptors have a wealth of young guards they are trying to develop, with Carton lacking an outside shot. His path to the main roster and a success story for the team seems unlikely.
College Standout
Branden Carlson is a five-year college player who went undrafted this year. In the last four years of his college career, Carlson averaged 35.9% from three on 3.2 attempts per game and 1.7 blocks per game. In Vegas, Carlson has been able to do what he did in college. Teams are always looking for bigs who can space and block shots. Carlson is the all-time block leader for the Utah Utes, and that shot-blocking skill has carried over to Vegas. Averaging three blocks per game Carlson ranks third in blocks per game for Summer League.
On the defensive end, he falls short when it comes to guarding bigs in the post and securing defensive rebounds. He is too light to bang with bigs and doesn’t have the best vertical to grab boards. Offensively, his lack of ability to score from inside the arc has kept Carlson from being drafted. When his shot isn’t failing, he doesn’t impact the game offensively. Even with that, Toronto lacks a third-string five, and with Carlson’s combination of size, three-point shooting, and shot blocking, he could crack the rotation.
Longterm Project
When people say someone is two years away from being two years away, Ulrich Chomche comes to mind. The Raptors drafted Chomche 57th overall. He is new to basketball, having played organized ball for less than a decade. Chomche is a very smooth athlete at 6-10. He glides across the court and has the vertical pop to dunk it anytime. Even with being new to basketball, Chomche is a natural passer, hitting cutters semi-regularly. Chomche has showcased his passing and athleticism in Vegas.
At the same time, Vegas has shown how many things Chomche struggles with. Chomche is a good shot blocker, but is too block-happy, leading him to rack up fouls. Outside of a nice pass here and there and a solid dunk, Chomche can be invisible offensively. He can’t do much with the ball, and his touch around the rim is average. While looking for talent, the Raptors still want to compete, and Chomche is far from being able to help a team compete.
Who Could See NBA Minutes Next Season?
The Raptors have 15 players under guaranteed contracts but still have some holes on the roster with a thin frontcourt. With Carlson’s combination of size, three-point shooting, and shot-blocking, he is the most likely two-way player to crack the rotation next season and could learn a lot from Kelly Olynyk. With how loaded up Toronto is on guards who need playing time, it’s hard to give Carton minutes. Chomche has the most upside out of the three guys but is so far away from being an NBA player it would be shocking to see him in the big league next season.
