How the NBA finds diamonds in the rough

From Mikail’s piece:

Jeremy Lin believes Kawhi Leonard could change things again in Toronto

Jeremy Lin was part of the 2018-19 championship team and believes Kawhi Leonard’s presence goes beyond just putting up numbers. Lin says Leonard makes the game easier for everyone around him and could once again make the Raptors a difficult playoff matchup.

“I think with a Kawhi, I think they’re the dark horse,” Lin said.

Lin stopped short of calling Toronto a favourite in the East, but believes the Raptors would be one of the teams nobody wants to see come playoff time.

Raptors reportedly came close to landing Domantas Sabonis

According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Toronto and Sacramento had serious discussions before the trade deadline on a deal that would have sent the All-Star centre to the Raptors, with RJ Barrett reportedly included in the package.

The deal never got done because Toronto couldn’t find a way to move Jakob Poeltl’s contract. Sabonis would have given the Raptors another elite rebounder and one of the NBA’s best passing big men.

Raptors bring in Andre Jackson Jr.

Toronto signed former UConn guard Andre Jackson Jr. to an Exhibit-10 contract. The 6-foot-6 guard spent last season with the Milwaukee Bucks, appearing in 48 games.

Jackson will have a chance to compete for a roster spot during training camp and could earn extra incentive money if he joins Raptors 905.

Trey Jemison joins Raptors on two-way deal

Toronto added more size to its roster by signing centre Trey Jemison to a two-way contract.

The 6-foot-10 big man has played for five NBA teams over the last three seasons, including the Wizards, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Lakers and Knicks.”