Juancho Hernangomez reportedly signed with the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. The two sides agreed to a 1-year contract with the financial details still unclear. The deal is expected to be a veteran-minimum contract, worth over $1.8 million. The contract would tie him down through the 2022-23 season.
Juancho Hernangomez Signs With the Toronto Raptors
The Raptors Sign Juancho Hernangomez
Over his 6-year NBA career, Juancho Hernangomez has played for the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, and San Antonio Spurs. He has put up 5.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game for his career. Hernangomez was originally drafted in the first round, 15th overall of the 2016 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets. He ended last season with the Utah Jazz, scoring 6.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. The 6’9 forward was an unrestricted free agent.
Hernangomez might face an uphill battle carving out minutes on the Raptors next season. The Raptors made the playoffs last season, and return most of their roster from last season. With such a full roster, Hernangomez will have to show he can provide a skill the Raptors need to see success.
What This Means For the Future
Hernangomez became an NBA fan favorite this offseason for his role as Bo Cruz in the Netflix hit movie “Hustle”. “Bo Cruz” will look to provide the Raptors with a solid three-point threat, and rebound the ball when asked to. Hernangomez shot 44 percent from three in 17 games with the Jazz last season, a positive development. With his lengthy size and versatility, he fits with what Toronto looks for in players. If his newfound shooting stroke is legitimate, he should be a contributor for Toronto next season and possibly beyond.
