Toronto waived five training-camp players and converted Nate Bittle to a two-way contract on October 17, locking in its bench a day after the preseason finale. Elsewhere in the coverage, local writers are debating whether Scottie Barnes is ready for a scoring jump and whether rookie Allen Graves has earned a real look.
The Trim
The Toronto Star, Sportsnet and Raptors Republic all confirmed Thursday's roster moves: Tyreke Key, Tyson Degenhart, Jalen Celestine, Nimari Burnett and Jamarion Sharp were waived, while Nate Bittle moved to a two-way contract. Lewenberg of TSN added what the others didn't: Bittle earned the spot on the strength of his Summer League play, despite spending camp in a walking boot, unable to practice while managing the right foot and leg issue that still lists him day-to-day with an expected return before Toronto opens its season October 21 against Chicago. None of the five departures touch payroll in a meaningful way; Toronto's $202.5 million figure, above the $200.4 million tax threshold, was set before this trim.
Graves Makes His Case
Three different outlets zeroed in on the same forward. Raptors HQ's Julian Apolinario wrote that Rajakovic wants Graves, a 20-year-old rookie, to shoot without hesitation, and Raptors Rapture's Chris Lambert argued he can be a problem once that shot starts falling. Raptors Republic's Esfandiar Baraheni framed his finale minutes as a case made in real time. The record of that Pistons loss backs the framing: with Leonard, Barnes, Barrett, Quickley, Poeltl, Shead and Walter all held out, per Lewenberg, Graves played in Toronto's deepest lineup, with Jackson-Davis's 23 points leading that group in the 129-125 result.
Debating Barnes's Leap
Raptors in 7's Vivek Jacob raised the week's biggest framing question: an incoming scoring leap for Barnes, who averaged 18.1 points on 30.4 percent three-point shooting last season. Raptors Republic's Samson Folk was blunter, writing that Toronto has to get better at facets of its game this season. Nothing in Toronto's own numbers settles the question yet; the preseason carries no record, and Barnes's answer begins at the regular-season opener against Chicago on October 21.
Is Nate Bittle on a two-way contract?
Yes, Toronto converted Bittle's deal to a two-way contract on October 17, while he remains day-to-day with a right foot and leg issue and an expected return around the October 21 opener.
Did Toronto make other roster cuts this week?
Yes, the Raptors waived Tyreke Key, Tyson Degenhart, Jalen Celestine, Nimari Burnett and Jamarion Sharp the same day Bittle's deal converted.
