Former Toronto Raptors second-round pick David Johnson has signed with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Johnson joins the Grizzlies on an Exhibit 10 deal. He will likely join the Memphis Hustle for the upcoming G League season
Johnson never panned out for the Raptors. Toronto selected him with the 47th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and he didn’t get a lot of playing time.
The 22-year-old had his fair share of injuries throughout his Raptors tenure and he didn’t prove himself at a high level. He only appeared in two games for the Raptors in 2021-22.
The Raptors did re-sign Johnson last season to an Exhibit 10 deal as they retained his G League rights with the 905. However, Johnson was eventually traded to Memphis in a G League deal.
The Raptors second round picks haven’t panned out for them in recent history.
Toronto’s 2022 second-round pick Christian Koloko is currently out indefinitely.
Their 2021 second-round picks aren’t with the team anymore. Dalano Banton left for the Boston Celtics and now David Johnson is with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jalen Harris was the team’s 2020 second-round pick. He was suspended and later released. And Toronto’s 2019 second-round pick Dewan Hernandez never got going.
Toronto didn’t have a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and won’t have one in 2024 or 2025.
Pascal Siakam listed as top 25 player
Player rankings have been common in the NBA recently.
ESPN put out their popular player rankings and ranked Siakam number 25. Now, The Ringer has done the same.
They have Pascal Siakam at No. 25 on their Top 25 list:
The Top 25 players in the NBA according to @ringer:
1. Nikola Jokic
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
3. Stephen Curry
4. Luka Doncic
5. Jayson Tatum
6. Joel Embiid
7. Kevin Durant
8. Jimmy Butler
9. Devin Booker
10. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
11. Anthony Davis
12. LeBron James…— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 18, 2023
Siakam is entering this season without a contract. He has been solid for the Raptors and reliable over the years.
Siakam has played in more than 65 games in four of the last six seasons.
If he’s able to play like a top 25 player or better this season and appears in at least 65 games then Siakam could very well make the All-NBA team. This would allow Siakam to become eligible for a supermax deal next summer.
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