The Toronto Raptors are signing D.J. Carton to a 10-day contract, according to the Athletic’s Shams Charania.
NBA News: Toronto Raptors Sign Guard
Raptors D.J. Carton’s Amateur Career
A four-star recruit in the class of 2019, Carton committed to Ohio State, despite offers from Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Marquette, and Xavier. Carton played high school basketball in Bettendorf, Iowa, where he was named Mr. Iowa. Past recipients of the Mr. Iowa award include Harrison Barnes, Nick Collison, and Raef LaFrentz.
Carton served as Ohio State’s backup point guard in 2019, despite being named the Big Ten preseason freshman of the year. He decided to transfer to Marquette for his sophomore campaign in 2020. He started 24 games for the Golden Eagles in 2020-21, averaging 13 points, 3.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds. The season was halted and ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Raptors Signing in the G League
He declared for the 2021 NBA draft, but was not selected by any team. Carton signed with the Charlotte Hornets in August of 2021, but was waived prior to the start of the 2021-22 NBA season.
Shortly thereafter, he was signed by the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League. After appearing in 22 games for the Swarm, Carton headed to another G League team: the Iowa Wolves.
After encouraging showings in 2022-23 for Iowa, he signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Once again, he was released before getting the chance to debut in an official NBA game. He returned to Iowa, and has enjoyed a breakout season in 2023-24. The 23 year-old is averaging 20.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 7.1 assists.
Carton has put in time to improve his three-point shot, and the hard work is paying off. He shot just 26.6% on 3.6 three-pointers attempted per game in his debut campaign in the G League. Two years later, he is shooting 43.4% on 5.1 attempts per game from deep.
The 6’3 Carton is also known for his athleticism, thanks to his 40-inch vertical. His dunking prowess was on full display in his last collegiate season.
Raptors Need Help
The Raptors lack of point guards will present a welcome opportunity for Carter, as he aims to stick around with an NBA team in his third attempt. Toronto’s only true point guards are Immanuel Quickley and Javon Freeman-Liberty.
The Raptors received Quickley from the New York Knicks as part of the OG Anunoby trade.
Freeman-Liberty is a rookie on a two-way contract who has appeared in only two games for Toronto this season.
What’s Next
Toronto has committed to a full rebuild, and the remainder of the season will likely be a testing ground for several unproven players on their roster. If Carton wants to secure himself a spot in the NBA for next season, whether that be in Toronto or somewhere else, he will have to make an instant impression given the length of his contract. His high-flying playstyle combined with an aggressive and tireless attitude would go a long way towards realizing that dream.
The Raptors are 19-36, sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference. Carton will be eligible to play in five games during his 10-day contract, including matchups against the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors.
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