Featured image by Bryon Houlgrave/The Des Moines Register via AP
According to Shams Charania and other sources, Matt Thomas of Valencia BC in Liga ACB has agreed to three-year, $4.2M deal with the Toronto Raptors. Thomas is a 6-4 guard who averaged 11.4 points with Valencia BC in 20.3 minutes, while shooting an intriguing 51.1% from the field and a scorching 48.5% from three. Upon first glance, it goes without saying that this guy can shoot.
Thomas was lights-out in the 2019 EuroCup, eventually winning with Valencia BC. He averaged 12.7 points while shooting an efficient 57.3% from the floor, 47.7% from three and 90.9% from the free throw line. He likely won’t crack the rotation on most nights, but the acquisition adds some highly-coveted shooting and depth to the Raptors’ roster.
Thomas might have trouble keeping up in the NBA, but that doesn’t disregard his insanely good jump shot. If Thomas can work out to be a J.J. Redick-type player, that will be more than enough for the Raptors. He doesn’t need to be a defensive plus as long as he can keep defenders on their toes and space the floor out.
What’s promising to see he already kind of mimics the recently-signed New Orleans Pelicans guard. He’s frequently chased around screens and executing one dribble pull-up jumpers. Whether or not he’ll be able to elude NBA defenses is still questionable. However, if one thing’s for sure, it’s that his contract seems more than worth it at $4.2M for three years.