The summer league grind always uncovers hidden gems, and the Toronto Raptors may have struck gold with their latest frontcourt project. Following an impressive showing in Las Vegas, former Oregon standout Nate Bittle has firmly thrust himself into the conversation to secure the Raptors’ final remaining two-way contract heading into training camp.
After going undrafted in this year’s NBA Draft, the seven-foot center quickly turned heads by putting up dominant numbers during summer league action, averaging an impressive 9.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and a staggering 2.8 blocks per game. That stellar rim protection and floor-spacing ability earned him an Exhibit 10 contract, inviting the young big man to prove his worth on the big stage.
Seizing the Opportunity in Toronto
Speaking to Sportsnet reporter Michael Grange, Bittle revealed how he and his inner circle pinpointed Toronto as the ideal landing spot to launch his professional career.
“Me and my agent, my parents, we had that talk,” Bittle shared. “After being an undrafted free agent we thought this was a great fit for me and I went up there, did the little minicamp with them before summer league.
Came out here, had a couple practices, and then now we’re playing and I think everything is going good. I’ve just got to stay true to myself and my game. Being able to block shots, space the floor offensively, set good screens for guys to get open.
… That’s something that they needed and we looked at it and there’s just an opportunity there for me and I just want to make the most of all the opportunities I get.”
Filling a Major Size Deficit for the Raptors
Bittle’s emergence is particularly timely given the roster construction under head coach Darko Rajaković. Aside from established starting center Jakob Poeltl, the Raptors’ roster has notably lacked traditional height, with very few players standing taller than six-foot-nine.
Standing a true seven feet tall, Bittle offers a completely different physical dynamic. Averaging nearly three blocks per game in Las Vegas proved that his instinct for protecting the rim translates to the professional level—an elite defensive trait that is notoriously difficult to teach.
While the team features versatile athletes like Trayce Jackson-Davis and Collin Murray-Boyles who can operate in small-ball center lineups, having a legitimate, towering traditional big man gives Toronto essential tactical flexibility when matching up against elite, size-heavy frontcourts across the NBA.
The Road Ahead to Training Camp
Bittle still has plenty of developmental milestones ahead of him before he can carve out a consistent, high-impact rotation role in the NBA. However, spending time within the Raptors’ player development ecosystem provides the perfect environment for him to hone his craft.
Whether he locks down that final two-way slot or begins his professional journey developing with the Raptors 905 in the G League—where Toronto currently retains his primary rights—Bittle has firmly put the franchise on notice.
With Jaden Bradley and Chucky Hepburn already occupying two of the team’s two-way spots, the battle for the final roster designation will be fiercely contested. But if summer league is any indication, Nate Bittle is fully prepared to do everything in his power to fight for his spot and make his NBA dream a permanent reality.
Do you think Nate Bittle deserves to grab the Raptors’ final two-way contract, and can he become a long-term piece in Toronto? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
