The Toronto Raptors have formally declared their intention to bring center Malik Williams on board with a 10-day contract. Williams, who played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA G League during the 2023-24 season, showcased impressive stats, averaging 11.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game across 33 matchups.
The Toronto Raptors are signing center Malik Williams to a 10-day contract out of the NBA G League's Sioux Falls Skyforce, agent Brian Jungreis of Seros Partners tells @TheAthletic @Stadium. The 6-11 big man has averaged 11.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks for Sioux Falls.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 3, 2024
Although Malik Williams entered the NBA Draft in 2022 and remained undrafted, this marks his inaugural contract with an NBA team. In 2023, he competed for Anwil Włocławek in the Polish Basketball League, where they triumphed in the 2023 FIBA Europe Cup, making history as the first Polish club to claim the championship.
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Reflecting on his experience as a member of the FIBA Europe Cup-winning team earlier this year, Williams expressed the significance of the achievement to him:
Toronto Raptors Signing Former FIBA Europe Cup Champion
Why the Toronto Raptors Signed Malik Williams
With Jakob Poeltl sidelined and Jontay Porter facing league investigation over alleged involvement in a gambling scandal, the Toronto Raptors urgently required additional depth at the center position. Prior to signing Williams, Kelly Olynyk stood as the sole healthy center on the Raptors’ roster. Despite recently utilizing their final 10-day contract on various players, the Raptors’ current shortage of center options warrants the audition of a player like Williams to assess his potential impact. Moreover, Williams could seize an immediate opportunity to contribute to the team.
On the court, the former Louisville player boasts favorable dimensions at 6’11” and exhibits athleticism and high energy. His notable strength likely lies in rebounding, though his adaptation to the NBA remains to be seen. Additionally, he demonstrates solid defensive skills and reasonable offensive capabilities.
💥 FINAL SCORE THREAD 💥
The @SFSkyforce come out with the WIN after a close one against the Maine Celtics!
Six players finished in double-figures for the Skyforce led by Malik Williams’ career-high, 29 PTS!
☄️ A. Williams: 24 PTS, 7 AST, 4 REB
☄️ Cain: 16 PTS, 16 REB, 4 AST pic.twitter.com/XBFBtB9DVu— NBA G League (@nbagleague) January 20, 2024
What’s Next for the Raptors?
As the regular season nears its conclusion, Toronto’s options are limited aside from prioritizing player health for the upcoming offseason. Presently, the Raptors are struggling with a 23-52 record, enduring a daunting 14-game losing streak. With only seven games left in the schedule, it remains to be seen if the Raptors can reverse their fortunes before the season concludes. Watching to see if they can turn things around in the final stretch will be of significant interest.
