The Toronto Raptors have taken steps to solidify their roster for the upcoming NBA season, re-signing undrafted sophomore forward Ron Harper Jr. to a two-way contract, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. This move marks Harper Jr.’s return to the Raptors after spending the previous season playing for the Raptors 905 in the G League.
During his time in the G League, the 23-year-old showcased his potential and talent, averaging an impressive 16.7 points in 30 games. His shooting efficiency was commendable, with 50.1% from the field and 36.6% from beyond the arc. Notably, Harper Jr. was not just a scoring threat but also displayed versatility in his game, contributing 5.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1 steal per game.
Despite a limited appearance in the NBA last season, featuring in only nine games for the Toronto Raptors, Harper Jr. will have another opportunity to make an impact in the upcoming season. His time in the NBA saw him average 2.2 points in 5.3 minutes on the court. Although the sample size was small, it gave the Raptors a glimpse of his abilities and potential for growth.
While Harper Jr. didn’t have a particularly strong showing during the recent Summer League, averaging 12 points across four games with shooting percentages of 34.9% from the field and 16.7% from three-point range, the Raptors’ management evidently sees promise in his development.
Before entering free agency, the Toronto Raptors extended a two-way qualifying offer to Harper Jr., making him a restricted free agent. This move ensured that the team had the option to retain him, indicating their belief in his future potential and contributions.
As a two-way player, Harper Jr. is expected to spend a significant portion of the upcoming season in the G League. However, his contract will provide him with an opportunity to be called up to the NBA roster when required. It is important to note that two-way players are ineligible for NBA postseason games unless their contract is converted to a standard deal.
With Harper Jr. securing the second of the three available two-way spots for the team this season, the Raptors still have one two-way spot remaining and one NBA roster spot open as they gear up for training camp.