The Toronto Raptors have an incredibly difficult decision to make ahead of the NBA regular season as the preseason comes to a close. The Raptors have one preseason game remaining in Montreal against the Boston Celtics and are coming off their second straight loss in an effort against the Chicago Bulls. Despite this the Raptors organization like every year has to make the decision regarding who is actually going to be on their final roster and three players must get cut. Dalano Banton was originally perceived to be somebody fighting for a place but he has all but locked up a roster spot but a whole host of other players will not be as confident.
Players looking to really make an impact in the final game are Gabe Brown, Ron Harper Jr., Josh Jackson, DJ Wilson, Justin Champagnie and Juancho Hernangomez. In this video Jacob Gramegna on his main channel Amateur Hour Sports breaks down which three players he believes should be cut or sent to the G-League ahead of the upcoming NBA season. Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster have some tough decisions.. who is most deserving to stay?
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0:00 – Overview
1:03 – Who is getting cut?
2:17 – Has Gabe Brown earned a spot?
3:45 – Where it becomes complicated
4:45 – The no brainer decision
6:46 – The toughest player to cut
8:17 – This player got really lucky
10:00 – This player is better than you think
12:00 – Who should really make it?
13:23 – Full list
See you again next time
#raptors #torontoraptors #NBA
26 Comments
Who do YOU think the Raptors should cut?
I think we'll prioritize continuity and roll with Dalano and Champagnie
Raptors need to sign gabe brown cuz Ron Harper Jr this guy didn't show anything in the preseason
I agree with Ron Harper jr. I really haven't seen anything from him that's deserving of a 2way but again perhaps practice is a different story.
I think the Hernangomez is going to be a regret for the Raptors . Not that he will be really bad or anything but I think Jackson / brown will go on to have a better year with another team if we don't pick them …. Banton is a lock and Justin needs to have a big game tomorrow …. I really like DJ hope he finds a place in the NBA
Nurse is talking about Juancho being an important part of the rotation 🤦🏻♂️ for f… sake’s he found his new McCaw boys.. it might be a long season if we’re calling Juancho an important rotation player. I don’t think any nba team he’s played on had him down as an important rotation player. Nurse probably watched that movie one too many times.
Won’t be shocked if Gabe is offered a 2 way deal from another team. He played at Michigan state so I can see Casey picking him up at some point and giving him a look.
Nice breakdown- good video. Will watch again with wife later tonight
Ron Harper jr is very good, just give him some time he is going to be very good in our system
Time for Masai to cut like Gillette.
If they don't pick Dalano, I will be upset. As for the second, that's gonna be a tough decision.
Who cares about Champagnie? He'll play a game every blue moon at best. Jackson can actually play some backup PG.
Dj is solid
cut Ron harper JR and DJ Wilson, for me this is obviously, Josh and Justin are a REALLY good fit for toronto, besides Justin can be our "backup" PG, Juancho can be a great help, from what i see he just need more time to get used to the team.
In my opinion Dalano Banton Ofcourse, Josh Jackson the Kryptonyte for the Boston Celtics he have something to prove because he was in that top 5 pick and he is the only fighting for a job, next Justin Champagnie.
you're under rating him, not the other way around. Listen to what nick has said about him, look how he has played – you don't seem to be able to see what he is actually doing. The shots will fall.
Bo Cruz has actually gotten better since the start of past few games. He needed time to learn the Nurse system of Defence. Last game he made some impact and given a bit more time I feel will work his way onto the team coming off the bench.
Josh Jackson looks very good and is smart on and off the ball and can hit shots and play good D. I have watched Justin who has peaked is nervous when he handles the ball, but he is young and will make a better impact and career playing in Europe.
Final roster is Josh Bo Cruz both making the squad with D.J. getting released.
They are all useless .
Cut Fred
It’ll be sad to see any of these guys go, as each them arguably deserves a spot. I do think you are wrong about Juancho, and he personally led Spain to the gold medal at the world championships (you didn’t mention that). He’s travelled a helluva lot over the summer. Nurse likes him, and I believe he’s on the team. He’s long, can defend, is smart, and can shoot.
I also think you’re wrong about Justin – the team has invested a lot in him. He’s been injured, and thus hasn’t had a chance to show himself yet. As much as I like him, DJ Wilson may be on the outside looking in. Josh Jackson and Gabe Brown have shown well, but haven’t done enough to make the team.
It’s just unfortunate to cut some players, they’ve all seem like to be a Raptors player. I like Gabe also. I’m ok to let go Ron & TJ. I’m also ok whoever NN decides who to cut between Josh & Champagnie, well, he knows better. Champagnie plays rapport with the Raptors team and yet Josh might need a team like raptors to showcase his talents. Josh was picked #4 for a reason. It’s a tough decision and I feel sad for those would get cut. Wishing them all the best!
Personally I got Josh Jackson over champagnie! I see he’s more of a small ball shooting forward and I think our team needs more athleticism on the guard side of the team… (too many forwards for champagne to be useful)
The Raptors are not going past the 1st round again. They need a bonafide scorer. They should sign anyone that is unwanted like Russel Westbrook. Russ needs redemption badly. He will put pressure on any defence so that opens up 3 point shooters. He can play defence when he wants to. The Raps have no one that really puts any pressure on the defence in the open court and their half court offence is weak. They only play good offence when they run. Van Fleet and none of any of their other guards are threats offensively when running. Russ would be perfect.
You are so wrong about Wilson it hurts.
I think the Raptor should cut Gomez. He's been a journeyman he is not really done anything in the NBA. Can he fit into our system? I'll keep Justin. Josh Jackson I like him but I also like DJ Wilson. We need a big buddy when we have to go against big guys. We can't have 6'8" and 6'9" all the time. DJ Wilson will play a role knowing that he's out there for his size and length and defense and his switchability on the defensive end in case there's a pick and roll. He's not going to want to prove himself and take a bunch of shots. He does play the game properly passes maybe a little too passive. But it can shoot the three at a decent clip when necessary and he's athletic and quick. We don't know what our big Mass situation is going to look like and he's an agile big guy. Christian is a rookie and still going to have to learn.
I normally don't agree with very many of your takes but surprisingly, we are in step on this—every position and cut.