The Toronto Raptors surprised many fans and analysts alike when they announced the signing of veteran wing Garrett Temple to a one-year, $3.2 million contract. The move comes after a relatively quiet offseason for the Raptors, leaving fans wondering what other surprises might be in store for the team as they gear up for the preseason.
Temple’s journey in the NBA has been a rollercoaster ride. Since entering the league in 2009, he has played for an astounding 11 NBA teams in 13 seasons. The 37-year-old has been traded, cut, and signed multiple times, showcasing his resilience and determination to keep playing the game he loves.
Last season, Temple was with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he played a role in helping the young team fight for a spot in the postseason. Though his minutes were limited, Temple’s experience and leadership were highly valued by the Pelicans.
Now, he looks to bring that same experience and leadership to the Toronto Raptors. While he might not be a star player on the court, Temple’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He has been consistently praised as a terrific presence behind the scenes and in the locker room, making him a valuable addition to any team.
The Raptors already seemed to have a full roster before signing Temple, but his arrival brings a quality 3-and-D veteran presence to the team. During his time with the Pelicans, Nets, and Bulls, Temple started 76 games and averaged 7.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, indicating that he can still contribute when given the opportunity.
One intriguing aspect of this signing is its potential connection to Thad Young. There are suggestions that Temple’s signing might be related to the possibility of sending Young’s salary elsewhere. If that happens, Temple could step into the veteran leader role and provide invaluable mentorship to the younger players on the roster.
While Temple might not be a regular rotation player, his experience can be beneficial in specific situations, and he has a reliable 3-point shot that could help the Raptors snatch a few victories throughout the season.
However, Temple’s addition might necessitate another move by the Raptors to free up space on the roster. Team President Masai Ujiri has proven himself to be a savvy operator in the past, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him make further adjustments to the team before the season starts.
With Temple now set to join the Raptors, he’ll be donning the jersey of his 12th NBA team. The journeyman is undoubtedly eager to make an impact with the Raptors and contribute to their quest for championship glory.
In conclusion, Garrett Temple’s signing with the Toronto Raptors brings a veteran presence and leadership to the team that could prove invaluable as they strive to compete in a challenging Eastern Conference. While his role might not be that of a star player, Temple’s experience, work ethic, and locker room presence make him a valuable asset for any team.