The Toronto Raptors have made a shocking move that has sent ripples through the front office and fanbase alike: waiving center Trey Jemison III from his two-way contract.
Despite turning in an efficient preseason outing where he hauled down six rebounds—including four on the offensive glass—in just eight minutes of action, general manager Bobby Webster and head coach Darko Rajaković decided to part ways with the big man.
The decision leaves Toronto’s roster dangerously thin in the paint, raising major red flags as the 2026/27 NBA regular season approaches.
A Dangerous Frontcourt Gamble Behind Jakob Poeltl
Entering the campaign, analysts pointed to three primary potential roadblocks for Toronto: guard play, floor spacing, and big-man depth.
While Immanuel Quickley, Jamal Shead, and Jaden Bradley have silenced critics with impressive backcourt play, and the perimeter shooting has shown real promise during preseason action, the frontcourt situation has escalated from a minor concern into a full-blown emergency.
Currently, starter Jakob Poeltl stands as Toronto’s only true, battle-tested center on the roster. Expecting second-year forward Collin Murray-Boyles to handle backup five duties against physical Eastern Conference rivals is a massive gamble that could derail the team’s playoff ambitions.
Evaluating Internal Options: Sharp, Bittle, or a Koloko Reunion?
Following the waivers of Jemison III and guard Chucky Hepburn, Toronto now holds two vacant two-way roster slots. While grit-and-grind guard Nimari Burnett is a strong candidate for one of those spots, the front office is under immense pressure to dedicate the remaining opening to paint protection.
Inside the Raptors’ system, two Exhibit 10 training camp signees stand out:
- Jamarion Sharp: A towering presence who showed flashes during Summer League, but remains far too raw and undersized weight-wise to handle regular NBA rotation minutes.
- Nate Bittle: Possesses an intriguing combination of rim protection and stretch-five floor spacing, though nagging health issues make him a risky option to rely on for 25 to 30 regular-season games.
Given those limitations, fans and insiders are urging the front office to explore external options—including a potential reunion with 2022 second-round pick Christian Koloko or making a bold trade play for a young rim-protector.
Time Running Out Before Opening Night
Rajaković’s fast-paced, high-intensity system demands relentless rebounding and paint deterrence. Leaving Poeltl on an island without capable interior support puts an unsustainable burden on the starting center and exposes Toronto to being physically bullied by Eastern Conference contenders.
Waiving Jemison III may have freed up roster flexibility, but unless Webster converts that space into legitimate interior size before opening night, Toronto’s frontcourt vulnerability will be thoroughly exploited by opposing offenses.
