After finishing 4-0 in the preseason, the Toronto Raptors now gear up for the regular season.
It all kicks off on Oct. 25 against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto made some roster moves following their preseason finale.
The Raptors waived Jeff Dowtin Jr., Mouhamadou Gueye and Justise Winslow:
The Raptors are waiving Jeff Dowtin Jr, Mouhamadou Gueye and Justise Winslow.
Gueye/Winslow were on Ex. 10 deals and are 905 bound. Dowtin’s non-guaranteed deal was due to become partially guaranteed tomorrow. He’s likely headed elsewhere (they don’t hold his G League rights).
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 21, 2023
Dowtin Jr. was signed to a two-way, non-guaranteed deal in 2022. He appeared in 25 games for the Raptors averaging 2.4 points, 1.2 assists and 0.9 rebounds in 10.4 minutes.
Toronto had the option to convert his contract to a guaranteed deal, but opted not to. Therefore, making him ineligible for the Play-In Tournament and potential postseason play.
Dowtin Jr.’s ankle surgery cost him most of his offseason as the Raptors already had 15 guaranteed contracts on the books.
His non-guaranteed deal was set to become partially guaranteed today for 900,000, but the Raptors waived him before that.
If Dowtin Jr. returns to the G League, he won’t be 905 bound. The Delaware Blue Coats acquired his rights. They are the minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers.
There were some high expectations for Dowtin Jr. with the Raptors and it simply did not materialize throughout preseason play. Now, he looks for an opportunity elsewhere to continue his career.
Gueye and Winslow will be joining Raptors 905 after clearing waivers.
Gueye will have a chance to develop with the 905. As for Winslow, he’s a former No. 10 lottery pick in 2015 NBA Draft and he hopes the Raptors can rejuvenate his career.
Raptors beat Wizards but Barnes suffers injury
The Raptors finished their preseason with a perfect 4-0 record for the first time in franchise history.
Scottie Barnes once again shined in the win, but unfortunately he left the game late in the third quarter with a right foot sprain.
Rajakovic did say postgame that Barnes is “completely fine” so that is good news as the Raptors begin their regular season on Wednesday.
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