ESPN sources say newly unrestricted free agent Cory Joseph is closing in on a deal with the Toronto Raptors
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 6, 2015
Welcome home, Cory Joseph! The Toronto Raptors will reportedly sign the Pickering native. Details are still emerging however you have to love the pick-up. Aside from the fact that he is a big part of Canada Basketball’s future, Joseph showed that he can really play during his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs needed to let him go to clear space for LaMarcus Aldridge.
Joseph, 23, grew up in Pickering (a small, suburban city near Toronto). He was drafted in 2011 by the Spurs began to settle in nicely towards the end of his time there. He is a point guard, and will likely split back-up duties with Delon Wright, making the Raptors PG rotation complete.
Joseph averaged 6.8 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in approximately 18 minutes per game last season. Again, he is a solid defender, and good all around offensive player who can do a bit of everything. In particular, he’s a great finisher around the rim and loves to get out on the break. Another great job by Masai Ujiri in filling out the roster.
Here are some highlights to tide you over until details emerge:
Update:
Cory Joseph has player option after 3rd year of 4-year, $30 million deal with Toronto
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 6, 2015
That’s a fairly steep price for a back-up PG. However, with the cap rise and the fact that he’s got some potential, not so unreasonable.
