Though the Raptors have already signed DJ Wilson to two 10-day contracts via hardship exceptions, this deal gives him the best shot at sticking with the regular roster through to the end of the season.
Wilson played well in his time with Toronto, averaging 8.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game in three contests. He displayed an exceptional knack for stealing the ball and kick-starting Toronto’s transition attack. Wilson was a first-round draft pick by the Milwaukee Bucks and has been playing with the Oklahoma City Blue in the G League this season, averaging 17.4 points per game. He’s only 26 years old and a talented defender.
It doesn’t hurt that Wilson fits with the team’s philosophy. At six foot 10, he’s potentially the tallest player on the roster, but he has a huge wingspan and is incredibly athletic. The team just keeps stacking those players together.
It is funny timing with Wilson’s signing coming on the same day as OG Anunoby meets a specialist to get more information on the small fracture in his finger. But more likely is that the Raptors have an open roster spot and have been waiting to later in the season to sign Wilson so that there were fewer cap implications. Nick Nurse was a huge fan of Wilson during his time here, and it was always seen as a good possibility he’d rejoin the roster later in the season.
