By: David Alter

The Raptors have decided that they have seen enough performance in Joey Graham to exercise the 4th year option on his current contract. Head Coach Sam Mitchell says Joey has earned it and praised Joey for being a key part in the Raptors performance down the stretch last season. “I think Joey has earned it, in the last 16 games of last season he averaged something like 16 points, and 8 rebounds while shooting over 50% from the field.” Combined with his performance during the pre-season, Joey was rewarded with some security.
Joey says he’s happy to be around, and isn’t worried about being in the starting lineup. “Last season, as a team, there wasn’t a big drop off between the starters and bench players, and the lineups changed everyday.” It’s expected that Jason Kapono will likely occupy a starting spot in place of Joey Graham when the Raps open the season on Wednesday against the Sixers.

As of this writing (3:50pm eastern on October the 29th), no word has come out as to who will be cut from the team as the Raptors have until 6pm to trim their roster down 15 players. With one cut to make, it is likely that it will be either Luke Jackson or newcomer Jamario Moon. Earlier in the day Sam Mitchell said a decision has already been made but we (the media) will find out when a release is distrubuted later in the day. One move could see Moon be sent down the D-League in an effort to keep Jackson. Luke Jackson is not eligible to be sent to the D-League.

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