The Toronto Raptors appeared to be making a late push to secure a spot in the play-in tournament. After a rough start to the year that saw the 2019 NBA champions fall to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, a recent surge had reignited their postseason hopes. However, back-to-back losses to the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns have made their path to the playoffs even steeper, as they now sit 5.5 games behind the 10th-seed Chicago Bulls with 13 games left in the regular season.
The Raptors have dealt with injuries throughout the season, with key players like Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley missing significant time on the sidelines.
In an effort to see out the rest of the season the best way possible, the Raptors have opted to extend center Colin Castleton's stay, signing him to a second 10-day contract after his initial deal expired on March 17.
The 6-foot-11 big man has made five appearances for Toronto, including two starts, averaging 7.0 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
The Raptors have signed Colin Castleton to a second 10-day contract. No surprise considering how much he's been asked to play, how well he's played of late and the obvious need at the C position.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) March 16, 2025
The former Florida Gators standout went undrafted in 2023 after five years in college but was signed by the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-way deal where he spent time with their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. He was part of the Lakers squad that won the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament before being waived on Oct. 19.
Castleton later joined the Memphis Grizzlies on a two-way contract, appearing in 10 games while spending most of the season with the G League affiliates of the Grizzlies and Orlando Magic.
Now in Toronto, Castleton has an opportunity to prove himself on a Raptors team looking for frontcourt stability.
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This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 9:36 AM.