Former Syracuse basketball forward, Oshae Brissett found playing time the last few weeks as opportunities opened for the Raptors. We have all the details.
Over 450 players suit up every year for an NBA squad. Every athlete’s path is different. Some get drafted in the first round, others go undrafted, and some earn their way from the G-League.
The key is being ready when an opportunity arises. Former Syracuse basketball forward Oshae Brissett is living his NBA dream right now for the Toronto Raptors.
The 2019 undrafted free-agent signed a two-way contract with the squad. The defending champs are one of the most injured teams in the NBA, so this has provided plenty of playing time for younger players.
So let’s take a look at what Brissett has done and what his future looks like with Toronto.
In 2017 the NBA introduced two-way contracts, which allowed for two additional players on each NBA roster. The following is an explanation of the contract Brissett signed per the G League website.
"“NBA teams may have up to two players under NBA Two-Way Contracts who will spend the bulk of the season in the NBA G League and not more than 45 days with their NBA team. Two-Way players are paid a corresponding daily amount based on the number of days they play in each league. Only players in their fourth NBA season or earlier are able to sign Two-Way Contracts, which can be for either one or two seasons.”"
To start the season, Brissett began playing for the Raptors G-League affiliate. But with current injuries, Brissett has been thrust into the rotation. Four players are injured, including three big men, according to CBS Sports. The injuries are expected to last until mid-January, so Brissett still has an opportunity to prove himself.
The former ‘Cuse forward has appeared in 10 games averaging almost two points and a board in eight minutes per game. Brissett’s first game action came in blowout victories, but now he is getting more time throughout the game. He has played in five of the team’s last six contests. Against the Thunder, Brisset played a career-high 17 minutes in the team’s loss.
Most recently, he recorded six points against the Brooklyn Nets, which is the most he has scored. Oshae has not made the most significant impact offensively, but when the Raptors roster became depleted, he stepped up into a larger role. It is unknown how many more games Brissett will play for the Raptors, but he has made his name known in Toronto.