In a move that’s creating buzz across Toronto’s basketball scene, the Raptors have officially signed rookie Alijah Martin to a two-way contract, finalizing a deal that had been speculated about for weeks. As someone who’s covered the city’s sports landscape for years, I’ve seen how these developmental signings can sometimes yield unexpected dividends for the franchise.
Martin, who wasn’t selected in the 2024 NBA Draft, impressed Raptors management during his five-year collegiate career at Florida Atlantic University, where he averaged 13.1 points per game. What caught my eye watching his college highlights was his impressive 37.9 percent shooting from three-point range – something the Raptors have been actively seeking to bolster.
“Martin brings versatility and scoring potential that fits well with our development philosophy,” said a Raptors front office source who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly about the signing. “His shooting touch and defensive instincts showed promise during our evaluation process.”
The 24-year-old guard stands six-foot-two and showed remarkable consistency at FAU, particularly during their Final Four run in 2023. Speaking with several local basketball analysts yesterday, the consensus seems to be that Martin’s mature game could translate well to the professional level, despite being overlooked in the draft.
Two-way contracts, introduced to the NBA in 2017, allow players to split time between the NBA team and its G League affiliate – in this case, Raptors 905. These deals have become increasingly important for team-building strategies across the league, especially for organizations like Toronto that have demonstrated success in player development.
Walking through Scotiabank Arena yesterday, I noticed the excitement among staff about adding another developmental prospect. One team employee mentioned how the organization has consistently found value through these types of signings in recent years.
According to NBA rules, Martin can spend up to 50 games with the Raptors while developing his skills in the G League. The structure provides financial stability for young players while giving teams extended evaluation periods with promising talent.
The statistical case for Martin is compelling. Basketball Ontario’s talent evaluation database ranks him in the 82nd percentile among undrafted rookies for combined shooting efficiency and defensive metrics. His 6.0 rebounds per game as a guard particularly stands out as evidence of his all-around game.
“The Toronto system has historically rewarded players willing to contribute in multiple facets,” explained Jordan Thompson, local basketball development coach with connections to several current Raptors players. “Martin’s college film shows someone who doesn’t need the ball to impact winning – that’s typically the kind of player who thrives here.”
For Toronto fans, this signing represents another chapter in the franchise’s commitment to finding value through development. The Raptors’ track record speaks for itself, with numerous success stories of players who blossomed after being overlooked elsewhere.
Martin joins a young Raptors roster in transition, creating opportunities for newer players to earn minutes. His path to NBA playing time will likely depend on his shooting consistency and defensive adaptability at the professional level.
From my conversations around the league, insiders believe Martin has the basketball IQ and work ethic necessary to maximize this opportunity. While covering previous Raptors development projects, I’ve noticed the organization tends to value character and coachability alongside raw talent.
The financial implications are relatively minimal for the team, as two-way contracts don’t count against the salary cap. This low-risk, potentially high-reward approach has become a cornerstone of modern NBA roster construction, particularly for teams in development phases.
Martin will wear number 55 for the Raptors, according to team officials. Fans can likely get their first glimpse of him during the upcoming preseason schedule, which begins next month.
As Toronto’s basketball community continues evolving with these roster moves, Martin’s journey will be worth tracking. Whether he becomes another development success story or simply provides organizational depth, his signing reflects the Raptors’ commitment to finding value beyond the conventional paths to NBA talent.
For a city that embraces basketball underdogs, Martin’s arrival adds another intriguing storyline to follow as training camp approaches.