Raptors GM, Masai Ujiri, kept his promise.
The Toronto Raptors general manager said there will be a Canadian player on the Raptors during his tenure, and now there is. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Raptors have agreed to a four-year, $30 million deal with Toronto native Cory Joseph.
Cory Joseph has agreed to a 4-year, $30 million deal with Raptors sources said
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 6, 2015
Joseph will have a player option in 4th year
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 6, 2015
With rookie Delon Wright as the only other point guard on the roster behind Kyle Lowry, the Raptors were in desperate need of depth at the position. Joseph averaged 6.8 points and 2.4 assists per game with the San Antonio Spurs this season. He filled in admirably for Tony Parker during Parker’s absence, and perhaps most importantly (and impressively) gained Gregg Popovich’s trust in the process. He’s not a star, but he’s a great role player who will be able to back up Lowry immediately.
Random weird stat via the NBA: Cory Joseph average speed was 4.7 miles per hour, second only to teammate Patty Mills in entire NBA.
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) July 6, 2015
Joseph may not be the Canadian most Raptors fans were hoping for (that one is in Minnesota, and will be for quite a long time), but, hey, at least it’s a start.
(Via Brian Windhorst and cbc.com)