Toronto Raptors: 5 takeaways from 2018 NBA Summer League
By Derek Hryn
3. Malachi Richardson has a chance to join rotation
One of the Raptors’ greatest challenges for next season will be how they plan to replace DeMar DeRozan at shooting guard. Malachi Richardson could be the man they call upon to soak up minutes.
Toronto recently acquired the sharpshooting veteran Danny Green from the Spurs, but it shouldn’t overlook the No. 22 overall draft pick from 2016. Richardson is only 22 years old, and already has shown his improvement since leaving Jim Boeheim at Syracuse.
His combination of athleticism and shot efficiency is what really stood out this summer, when he averaged 12.8 points per game.
The 6’6″ off-guard will need to convince Nurse and the Toronto staff that he should be a top option on the wing off the bench. In order to make his way there, he will have to outwork Green and Norman Powell in training camp.