Summer League is usually about getting a first look at the newest prospects, but it also gives players a chance to remind everyone they still belong.
This year, several former Raptors took the floor with new teams looking to make an impact, and a few familiar faces made sure they weren’t forgotten.
Here are four former Raptors, that performed well this summer:
1. New Orleans Pelicans – Markquis Nowell
First and foremost, it was just great to see Markquis Nowell playing some good basketball again.
The 5-foot-7 guard became a fan favourite in Toronto almost immediately after signing a two-way contract following the 2023 NBA Draft. Coming out of Kansas State as a fifth-year senior, Nowell brought plenty of excitement with his fearless style of play and ability to create for others.
His NBA opportunity with Toronto was limited, appearing in just one game during the 2023-24 season, but he was a key piece for the Raptors 905. In 13 regular season G League games, Nowell averaged 14.4 points, 8.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game while earning G League All-Star recognition.
Unfortunately, injuries got in the way. A hamstring strain slowed down his progress, and Toronto eventually moved on from the guard.
This summer, Nowell got a chance to get back on the court with the New Orleans Pelicans, and he looked like himself again.
Across five Summer League games, he averaged 13.2 points, 4.6 assists and three steals while shooting 37.1 per cent from three.
The size will always be the biggest talking point with Nowell, but his quickness, toughness and ability to create offence is always fun to watch.
2. Orlando Magic – Colin Castleton
Colin Castleton’s Summer League story this year was a lot different than the one he had with Toronto.
Last summer, Castleton struggled to find his footing. In five games with the Raptors, he averaged just 2.6 points and four rebounds while shooting 33.3 per cent from the field. It was a tough showing for a player trying to prove he belonged at the NBA level.
However, to his credit, Castleton did have an opportunity with the Raptors NBA squad during the regular 2024-25 season. The former Florida Gator appeared in 11 games for the Raptors, including four starts, averaging 7.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in 26.2 minutes per game.
This summer with the Orlando Magic, Castleton looked much more comfortable. He played with more confidence and was far more active around the basket, averaging 13.3 points and six rebounds across four games while shooting an impressive 61.1 percent from the field.
3. Sacramento Kings – Jonathon Mogbo
Toronto selected Mogbo 31st overall during the 2024 NBA Draft because of his ability to impact the game in a lot of different ways. He was never viewed as someone who would just put up points, his value came from his rebounding, passing and defence. Basically, he was considered a Swiss army knife.
The problem for him was finding consistent minutes. Mogbo averaged just 1.5 points and 1.7 rebounds in 6.2 minutes per game over 40 appearances with Toronto last season. The Raptors eventually declined his team option, and he moved on to the Sacramento Kings.
In four games with Sacramento, Mogbo averaged 11.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 blocks while playing 24.5 minutes per game.
4. Denver Nuggets – Jahmi’us Ramsey
Jahmi’us Ramsey couldn’t have picked a better time to remind Raptors fans what he can do.
In the Denver Nuggets’ final Summer League game against Toronto, the former Raptor put together one of the best performances of his summer. Ramsey exploded for a game-high 20 points, going a perfect 9-for-9 from the field while adding eight rebounds and two steals.
It was a little bit of a “what could have been” moment for a player who spent part of the 2023-24 season in Toronto. Ramsey appeared in seven games with the Raptors, including one start, averaging 6.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 17.3 minutes per game.
He showed flashes as a scorer but struggled to find a consistent role, and Toronto eventually waived him in 2024, choosing to keep Jamison Battle instead.
Across five Summer League games with Denver, he averaged 9.2 points and four rebounds while shooting an impressive 58.1 per cent from the field and 46.7 per cent from three on three attempts per game.
When it comes to these four guys, some may find their way back into the NBA. Others may carve out roles elsewhere. Either way, Raptors fans got a chance to check in on some familiar faces, and a few of them gave people a reason to keep watching.
PRESENTED BY NATION GEAR
THE OFFSEASON SOCIAL CLUB HAS ARRIVED! The new era of Nation Gear starts here. Introducing the Nation Gear x Levelwear Offseason Social Club Collection — a limited edition collection built for the fans who know the sports lifestyle doesn’t stop. Designed for golf rounds, patio hangs, weekend trips, and every plan in between, this collection blends premium performance with everyday leisure. It’s versatile enough to dress up, comfortable enough to live in, and made for wherever the offseason takes you. Because being a sports fan isn’t a season — it’s a personality. Welcome to the club. Shop the Offseason Social Club now. nationgear.ca