Good Bye Gaines, Hello Johnson

As Doug Smith had suggested has become the reality of things Gains has been released in order for the Raptors to sign Trey Johnson. Calderon's health seemed to be the reason Gaines was able to pick up another 10 day contract. But with Calderon expected to play that gave the green light to send Gaines packing in favour of Johnson. Here is all the details from the Raptors Press Release:

The Toronto Raptors announced Wednesday they have signed guard Trey Johnson to a 10-day contract. He is the sixth GATORADE Call-Up of the 2010-11 NBA Development League season. To make room on the roster the Raptors released Sundiata Gaines early from his 10-day contract. Johnson, 6-foot-5, 215 pounds is the leading scorer in the D-League this season averaging 25.8 points for the Bakersfield Jam. He has scored in double-digits in each of his 26 games, posting 20 or more points on 22 occasions and 30 or more in five games and a season-best 43 on December 15 at Austin. Johnson is also averaging 4.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting .510 percent from the field. Johnson is in his fourth season with the Jam. He owns career D-League averages of 20.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 36.2 minutes. His head coach during the 2007-08 season was current Raptors assistant coach Scott Roth. A product of Jackson State in Mississippi, Johnson played four games with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2008-09 campaign totaling four points and one rebound. In October he went to training camp with the Los Angeles Lakers.Gaines was signed to a second 10-day contract Monday. He appeared in six contests with the Raptors averaging 5.8 points, 1.8 assists and 15.0 minutes.Toronto’s roster stands at 15 players.

So Johnson becomes the 21st new names to be added to the list. The last season anything like this one was 97/98 where Raptors had 24 different faces in their line up. That gem came to me from Zack Cooper via twitter @ZCooperstown. Our DNB Guest always lending me a helping hand. Speaking of Gems here is a recent post game interview with Johnson talking about ironically the chance of being called up to the NBA. Interview was post game after a D-League game about a week ago.



So welcome to the latest Raptor will see if he sticks around. Raptors take on the Sixers tonight and I will still be doing it for The Score.com and ScoreMobile.

J.O Out For Rest Of The Home Stand?

Just a little news to pass your way. Jermaine O'Neal who left the game in Sunday vs Boston. It is being reported that O'Neal hopes to return to the Raptor line-up on Sunday November 30th @ the Lakers. O'Neal is listed as day to day with a strained left knee. In comments to reporters O'Neal suggested the rather large brace that he wears on the injured knee is likely the reason his injury was not as bad as it could have been. It has been made clear in his coming to the Raptors the issues that he has had in the past with that knee. So the Raptors are likely going to be without O'Neal's services tomorrow versus Charlotte and Friday versus Atlanta. Both these games are at the ACC to close out a four game home stand for the Raptors. The Raptors hit the road for 3 games on the west coast starting with the Lakers on Sunday.

Update( Wed. Afternoon ):

J.O is also having issues with an ankle along with the knee. He is doubtful for tonight versus Charlotte. It is a day to day situation and the Raptors have not made any announcement on his status. The Laker return date was based on updates that were on Toronto Radio station yesterday. The Raptors will be hopeful to have O'Neal back in the line-up and healthy as soon as he is able as it is a key time for the club.