The Toronto Raptors waived point guard Chucky Hepburn on Monday, parting ways with the recently injured player after just two preseason appearances. The move creates an open roster spot for 7-foot-5 center Jamarion Sharp, the reigning NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year. This roster shuffle comes as the Raptors continue their preseason slate, most recently falling 129-125 to the Detroit Pistons on October 16.
Hepburn suffered a hamstring injury during the third quarter of Saturday's preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers. He was scoreless in that contest. The 23-year-old had shown flashes earlier in the preseason, posting 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, and four steals in Toronto's 105-129 loss to the Miami Heat on October 3. Despite that performance, the injury and the opportunity to add a unique defensive talent prompted the front office's decision.
Blake Murphy first reported the transaction. "The Raptors have waived Chucky Hepburn to make room for Sharp," he stated. Hepburn remains eligible to join the Raptors' G League affiliate, Raptors 905, to rehabilitate his injury. Murphy added, "If he chooses, he'd be 905 eligible and can rehab there/get back into 2-way mix later."
Jamarion Sharp brings an imposing defensive presence to Toronto's training camp. The 7-foot-5 center led the NBA G League in blocks last season while playing for the Texas Legends, earning him Defensive Player of the Year honors. He initially signed a two-way deal with the Los Angeles Clippers after Summer League but was later released.
Sharp did not automatically receive a two-way contract from the Raptors. He will have to compete for the open two-way spot during camp. His shot-blocking ability offers a different look for a Raptors team evaluating its frontcourt depth ahead of the regular season.
Waiving Hepburn does not create a major hole in Toronto's backcourt. The team still has considerable depth at the point guard position. Immanuel Quickley is entrenched as the starter, with rookie Jamal Shead serving as the primary backup. Jaden Bradley operates as the third-string option, while wings like Ja'Kobe Walter and Malachi Smith can also handle ball-handling duties.
This group will be tested immediately. The Raptors close their preseason at home against the Chicago Bulls on October 21. Their preseason has been a mixed bag, with results including a 122-120 loss to the New York Knicks on October 15 and a dominant 148-98 win over the same Knicks on October 13.
Chucky Hepburn played four years of college basketball before entering the 2025 NBA Draft. He spent his first three seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers, then transferred to Louisville for his senior year. With the Cardinals, he averaged 16.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 2.4 steals per game.
He went undrafted but earned a two-way contract with Toronto. Hepburn appeared in just two NBA games as a rookie, spending most of his time with Raptors 905. There, he averaged 12.3 points, 8.8 assists, and 2.3 steals in 19 games before a knee injury ended his season. He recovered fully to attend this year's training camp, but his latest injury altered his path once more.
