Toronto has finally filled the open contract spot created when they waived Alex Len. This time, they’re promoting internally.
Toronto is signing forward Henry Ellenson to a 10-day contract, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 10, 2021
Ellenson is a smooth scorer from the big position, and he helped the Raptors 905 to a one seed this season before falling in the semis to the Delaware Blue Coats. He led the team in scoring, at 21.2 per game, and he actually scored the third-most total points this entire G League season. Even more important than the quantity is the way he gets it done. Ellenson has a picturesque, quickfire jumper, and he shot 42.7 percent from deep this season after hitting 42.6 percent last year. He connected from the line at 88.2 percent. He’s a knockdown shooter, and at six-foot-10, he should find open shots extremely available to him.
There are questions about whether his speed and quickness can transition to the NBA, but those shouldn’t matter today. Today is worth celebrating Ellenson for the long years of work he’s put into the G League to earn this opportunity. He’s earned a variety of cups of coffee in the NBA before, having played 81 career games, but he’s a much more focused and talented player now than he was in past years. This is his first chance with the Raptors after having spent two seasons with the 905. His teammates are overjoyed for him.
YESSIRRR!! He more than earned and deserves this!! Literally shaking with excitement for him right now!! 🖤✊🏽 congrats big dawg! @HenryEllenson13 https://t.co/3oeHwJ5ZZH
— M A T T M O R G A N (@TheRealMM10) March 10, 2021
It helps that Ellenson fills a position of need. The Raptors don’t have too many 4/5s on the roster, and they have practically none with Ellenson’s skill-set. Put another way, though the Raptors have shooting specialists, they don’t have any with Ellenson’s size. If he does get an opportunity to hit the court, he should boost the offense immediately.
