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Toronto Raptors: Getting to know new signing Jordan Loyd

By Paul Taylor

TORONTO, ON - MAY 03: The Toronto Raptors line up for the anthems, prior to the first half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 3, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 03: The Toronto Raptors line up for the anthems, prior to the first half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 3, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Jordan Loyd will reportedly sign a two-way deal with the Toronto Raptors, but what do you need to know about the point/shooting guard?

In the last couple of days, we’ve shared speculation linking the Toronto Raptors to Greg Monroe, together with a report they have worked out Thomas Robinson. The reasoning relates to the team looking to fill the 14th spot on their roster.

Whether the Raptors actually sign either Monroe or Robinson, remains to be seen. In the meantime, they have agreed terms with another player.

As per Arthur Hill of Hoops Rumors, the Raptors have reportedly signed Jordan Loyd to a two-way contract. The news was first shared by Emiliano Carchia of Italian media outlet Sportando, referencing a source.

Some fans may be familiar with Loyd, from this year’s Las Vagas Summer League. As a member of the Raptors’ entry, he averaged 8.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 17.3 minutes per game.

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The 25-year-old played his college ball at Furman University and the University of Indianapolis. During his senior year with Indianapolis, he averaged 20.3 points, 6.3 boards, 2.6 dimes and 1.9 steals per contest.

As a result of his accomplishments, Loyd was a unanimous selection to the All-GLVC First Team. Regardless, he was undrafted in the 2016 NBA draft.

However, the Atlanta, Georgia native was picked 48th overall in the 2016 NBA D-League Draft, by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. After a spell with the Indiana Pacers affiliate, he played the 2017-18 season in Israel, with Hapoel Eilat.

Earlier this summer, Loyd signed a two-year contract with Darussafaka S.K. of the Turkish Basketball Super League. While you can understand him wanting to have some security, this turned out to be a hasty move.

While the Raptors wanted to sign the guard, they didn’t pay for his release from his deal with Darussafaka S.K. The deadline passed for Toronto to help buy him out and he was left to convince the Turkish team to release him.

In the end, Loyd paid for his own buyout, thus leaving him free to finally join the Raptors. Certainly, this move illustrates his desire to prove himself and play at the highest level in the NBA.

Whether the 2018 Israeli League All-Star is successful, is another matter altogether. All we do know at this stage, is that he offers some versatility — he can play as both a shooting and point guard — and has an excellent work ethic.

As per Hill, even with the addition of Loyd, the Raptors will still have a two-way slot open. They will move Lorenzo Brown to their 15-man roster and withdraw a qualifying offer for Malcolm Miller.

Next. Raptors work out former top-5 pick Thomas Robinson. dark

Are you familiar at all with Loyd? Did you watch him play in this year’s Las Vegas Summer League? What kind of impact do you predict he will have for the Toronto Raptors? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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