The Raptors 905 played their final home game of the season on Wednesday, losing to the Long Island Nets. With only one game remaining on the schedule, the team will fail to make the playoffs for the third straight year. While another year without post-season basketball is disappointing, one of the things the team did do successfully was continue to develop players.
Several names stood out this season, but two of the biggest success stories were AJ Lawson and Jared Rhoden — both of whom are on two-way deals and have been able to contribute with the Toronto Raptors. In the 905’s final home game, Rhoden led the team with 32 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. That performance came on the heels of another 30-point game just a few days earlier.
Rhoden’s journey with the Raptors organization, though, has been a rollercoaster ride. He was originally with the team in Montreal for training camp on an Exhibit-10 contract (a non-guaranteed deal that allows a player to compete for a roster spot) but was waived before the season started, intending to feature him on the 905 roster. The Charlotte Hornets quickly picked him up on a two-way deal, but he was back in the Raptors' system by December, signing with the 905. His debut, however, was delayed due to injury.
“Tough few months battling injuries, personal stuff and just battling through it,” Rhoden said in early January shortly after he had returned from injury. “Just staying in it, knowing that the game comes back in circles, and trusting my process. Good things happen when you believe in yourself.”
And good things certainly did happen for the 25-year-old from Baldwin, New York. In mid-February, the Raptors signed him to a 10-day contract, and he then earned a two-way deal on Mar. 4.
“Super excited,” Rhoden said about the contract. “I just think it was a full-circle moment to be back here after training camp, establishing good relationships here. I think the 905 did a great job of preparing me for this opportunity, and I’m ready to work.”
And work he did. In his first NBA start on Mar. 12, Rhoden delivered a career performance against the Philadelphia 76ers, posting 25 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and four steals — an incredible showing that also marked his first NBA double-double.
His time with the 905 clearly played a key role in his ability to seamlessly contribute at the NBA level.
“The translation is very direct, that’s pretty easy to get acclimated in,” Rhoden explained. “You know where the spots are and when to pick your spots, where shots are supposed to be taken, and the defensive strategies. I’m trying to be the ultimate teammate, whether it is setting a screen, running to the corner, or making that extra pass — that’s what I’m here for.”
That breakout game aired on Sportsnet, and on the call that night was none other than Raptors legend Vince Carter.
“Vince Carter was the first NBA jersey I ever had, and I just remember wearing that jersey up until I was in high school,” Rhoden said. “He was somebody I used to really look up to. I used to idolize his game, just how he approached his life, and now to be a Toronto Raptor and for him to have called the game where I had my career high and showcased what I can do is something I will never forget. It was a full-circle moment.”
The undrafted guard has had a few of those full-circle moments. During his rookie season with the Detroit Pistons, he found himself matched up against another Raptors legend —DeMar DeRozan, who was then playing for the Chicago Bulls.
“During the game, I’m at the free throw line and I’m like, ‘DeMar, I can’t help myself, but I have to let you know you were one of my favorite players as a kid. I used to look up to you, watch all your film, all your games,’” Rhoden recalled. “I didn’t even ask him for a signed jersey. I was just giving him his flowers and telling him how much he was a big part of me growing as a basketball player and as a man. And he went out of his way during the game to tell the equipment manager he was going to sign a jersey for me. I was so grateful for that —it was another kind of crazy full-circle moment.”
With the 905’s last game on Saturday, Rhoden is grateful for the support he has received, from both the G-League and Raptors fanbases. At a recent 905 event, a long line of kids and parents eagerly waited to meet him —a moment that left a lasting impression.
“I am so honored to play for this franchise and this entire country,” Rhoden said. “There were so many kids in line and so many parents taking off work to bring their kids to the games. It’s not something you see across the league or with any other team. We really do have the best fans in the G-League and in the league.”
From battling injuries to making an impact on the NBA stage, Rhoden’s journey is one of resilience and belief. His time with the 905 helped shape him into the player he is today, and with the support of Raptors fans behind him, his story is far from over.
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