Brooklyn Nets Sign Former Toronto Raptor
The Brooklyn Nets had been in the market for a power forward, and the Toronto Raptors didn’t really have a spot in the rotation any longer for Yuta Watanabe. Thus, the Japanese forward now has a new home.
The Nets say team has signed free agent Yuta Watanabe. The Japanese forward has played four seasons for Toronto and Memphis.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 28, 2022
Watanabe was an energy spark off the bench for Toronto in 2020-21, playing 14.5 minutes per game, providing hounding defence, some shot blocking and rebounding, and shooting 40% from beyond the arc.
This past season was a different story, however, as Watanabe lost his role in the rotation, as his shooting and rebounding numbers dropped considerably, he was posterized on a few dunks, and he seemed to lose the confidence of head coach Nick Nurse.
But at his best, Watanabe can really provide some defensive energy, and the Nets are hoping they’re getting this version of him:
Some highlights of the newest Net, Yuta Watanabe. pic.twitter.com/cRzTGSkYKF
— Jac Manuell (@JacManuell) August 28, 2022
It’s even a bit of a homecoming for Watanabe, who was given a look by the Nets four years ago.
Reminder: Yuta Watanabe played for the Nets in Summer League back in 2018 after going undrafted.
— Chris Milholen (@CMilholenSB) August 28, 2022
He’s back in Brooklyn. pic.twitter.com/XzSxLoe4mH
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