The Raptors will not convert Jeff Dowtin‘s two-way contract into a standard deal, according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca (Twitter links), who reported earlier on Thursday that he didn’t sense any momentum on the guard getting a promotion.
Dowtin, who gained head coach Nick Nurse‘s trust recently by appearing in seven straight games, reached the 50-game limit on Tuesday for which a two-way player can be active for NBA games. Since his contract won’t be converted, Dowtin will be ineligible for Toronto’s remaining regular season and postseason games.
The second-year guard is officially listed as out for Friday’s matchup in Boston, according to Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca (Twitter link). In a Twitter thread, Murphy points out that Dowtin will be a restricted free agent this summer if the Raptors extend him a qualifying offer, and the fact that so many people wanted a two-way player to be converted — even a solid one — is a reflection of the team’s lack of development and depth.
Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca is confused as to what more Dowtin could have done to be converted, as he’s played well in an area of need and promoting him wouldn’t push the team into the luxury tax (Twitter links). The Raptors were once known for their strong player development, but Lewenberg says that area has become a “crippling weakness” for the team of late.
Well 2.4 points a game might have something to do with it.
At this point it doesn’t make sense for the organization to give him a contract. There’s 2 meaningless games left and the season could potentially end next week after one play in game. I’m sure when the playoffs start Nurse is going to play the starters heavy minutes and probably give all Dowtin’s potential minutes to Scottie. What would a contract look like for 2 games plus the potential of playoffs and if so do you have to commit to him for next year if you do that. I’m sure they’re really going to try to shore up the guard position in the off season so Dowtin might not be needed next year at all. I can see their perspective like we know what he can do but we really don’t need him for our remaining games so let’s wait and see what happens in the off season.
Wow, what a whirlwind adventure that was.