Toronto Raptors News: Fred VanVleet, Luis Scola, Anthony Bennett
Aside from NBA Summer League, there has been some Toronto Raptors news recently involving Fred VanVleet, Luis Scola and former Raptor Anthony Bennett.
Earlier this week, the Toronto Raptors agreed to a multi-year contract with undrafted free agent guard Fred VanVleet, according to Blake Murphy of Raptors Republic.
The Raptors have agreed to terms on a multi-year deal with Fred Van Vleet. Partial guarantee. He'll be in camp with the team.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) July 12, 2016
VanVleet will be in training camp with the team and his deal comes with a partial guarantee.
A four year senior from Wichita State, VanVleet was brought onto the Raptors as an undrafted free agent. Prior to the NBA Draft, most scouting services projected him to be an undrafted free agent, or at best a late second-round pick.
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Despite his projection, VanVleet has been a pleasant surprise this summer. What the 5-foot-11 guard lacks in athleticism, he more than makes up for with his elite basketball IQ. He’s also shown an improved three-point shot this summer, which should help his chances of becoming the Raptors 15th man this season.
VanVleet won’t overwhelm anyone, but his skill set does fit the profile of a solid NBA backup. If he can continue to improve his three-point shot and defence, he could eventually develop into a poor man’s Cory Joseph, which is more than serviceable in today’s guard oriented NBA.
Scola and Bennett Head to Brooklyn
A pair of former Raptors found a new home in Brooklyn, NY, this week, as Luis Scola and Anthony Bennett have agreed to contracts with the Brooklyn Nets.
Sources: Luis Scola agrees to a one-year deal with the Nets. @WojVerticalNBA report on @TheVertical. https://t.co/yu5o0gB1f7
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) July 12, 2016
Free agent Anthony Bennett has reached agreement on a two-year minimum deal with Brooklyn, sources tell The Vertical. First year guarantee.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 14, 2016
Scola, 36, signed a one-year deal with the team and figures to bring veteran leadership to a rebuilding franchise.
Bennett is the compelling story, however. After failing to develop in both Minnesota and Toronto, the former No. 1 pick will look to reinvent himself in Brooklyn.
The 23-year-old has slimmed down, which Canadian fans saw during the Olympic Qualifiers, and has reportedly been working hard at his game with the Nets.
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The Nets clearly feel good about his progress if they’re offering him a two-year deal. Bennett is a very nice guy, but questions about his drive and passion for basketball have always lingered. Perhaps the rough to start his NBA career will alter his approach and he can shed the stigmas attached to him.
Either way, here’s hoping that Bennett puts it together in Brooklyn.