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. 

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:

It’s even a bit of a homecoming for Watanabe, who was given a look by the Nets four years ago.  

  Photo: Brad Penner