The Toronto Raptors have one two-way contract slot remaining on their roster and are evaluating several undrafted prospects to fill it. This comes as the team continues its preseason schedule, most recently falling 129-125 to the Detroit Pistons on October 16. The decision will focus on finding a player with clear NBA skills and a realistic development path within Coach Darko Rajakovic's system.
Four players have emerged as potential fits for Toronto's final developmental slot. The list includes defensive guards, a sharpshooter, and a rim-protecting big man. Each offers a distinct skill set the Raptors could nurture with their G League affiliate, Raptors 905.
Bez Mbeng, a guard from Yale, is the top defensive option. He's known for elite defensive instincts and relentless ball pressure. His ability to create havoc fits Rajakovic's scheme. The major question is his offensive game. He'd need to show significant improvement as a shooter and playmaker to earn NBA minutes soon.
Keba Keita provides a different look as a 6-foot-8 center. He played at Utah and BYU, averaging 7.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 68 percent from the field in his final college season. His value lies in rebounding, rim protection, and finishing. He's a spectacular vertical athlete with remarkable strength, projecting a potential role similar to former Raptor Quincy Acy. His offensive game remains raw.
John Poulakidas stands out for one specific skill: shooting. The 6-foot-6 guard from Yale went undrafted in 2025 but made an impression with the Dallas Mavericks in Summer League. His ability to space the floor is his primary asset. For a Raptors team that can always use more shooting, he presents an intriguing developmental project.
The preseason has highlighted areas where added depth could be beneficial. Toronto's preseason results have been a mixed bag, including a 122-120 loss to the New York Knicks on October 15 and a dominant 148-98 win over the same opponent two days prior. Adding a two-way player is about investing in the pipeline, not solving an immediate rotation need.
This spot is for a long-term project. The chosen player will spend most of the season with Raptors 905, working on translating their best skill to the professional level. Whether it's Mbeng's defense, Keita's paint presence, or Poulakidas' shooting, the goal is future contribution.
The immediate focus shifts to the final preseason contest. The Raptors host the Chicago Bulls at Scotiabank Arena on October 21. After that, the regular season begins in earnest.
Filling the two-way slot is a final piece of offseason business. The front office must decide which player's potential aligns best with the team's developmental goals. It's a low-cost, high-reward move that could pay off down the road. As the preseason wraps up, this roster decision will provide one more young talent to watch in the system.
