Toronto Raptors acquire Jerel McNeal and Chris Wright
Gearing up for training camp before the start of the season, the Toronto Raptors have decided to bring in guard Jerel McNeal and forward Chris Wright.
McNeal will join the Raps after spending last season with the Italian outfit Fabi Shoes Montegranaro. He took part in 32 games and held an average of 10.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists during that time.
McNeal’s time in NBA has not been that great. He sat on the bench during his 10-day contract with the New Orleans Hornets back in 2011, his only stint in NBA.
While McNeal brings in his European experience, Wright arrives in Toronto having spent last season with the Golden State Warriors. He averaged 2.9 points and 1.9 rebounds in 24 games, with a 25 point performance against the San Antonio Spurs being a highlight
Both McNeal and Wright have also spent some time playing in the NBA Development League. McNeal took part in 47 games for the Rio Grande Valley while Wright played 13 games for Maine and Dakota.
Jonas Valanciunas injures left ankle during practice
Toronto Raptors have not exactly get off to a good start in their preparations for the coming season as rookie Jonas Valanciunas went down with a left ankle injury while practicing on Saturday. No official announcement has been made yet regarding the injury but the Raptors management is expected to reveal the severity of the injury by Monday after initial tests have been run.
Valanciunas was selected by the Toronto Raptors as the 5th overall pick last year, but a buyout clause of $2.5 million with Lietuvos Rytas has prevented him from playing in NBA up until now. The 20 year old centre had been playing professional basketball in the Lithuanian league and was the LKL Most Valuable Player last season. He had also been a part of the Lithuanian side which took part in the London Olympics over the summer.
The Raptors would be hoping that the injury to his ankle is not serious and Valanciunas can make a return before training camp begins on October 2nd.
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