It took some time, but the Denver Nuggets have officially signed Toronto 905 forward Axel Toupane to a 10-day contract, according to the team.
We've inked Axel Toupane to a 10-day deal!#WelcomeToDenver #Nuggets pic.twitter.com/eZEourBxjI
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) March 3, 2016
Toupane appeared in 32 games for the 905’s, averaging 14.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
Toupane is a native of France, growing up playing his basketball along side current Nugget Joffrey Lauvernge. Knowing Joffrey will help both Toupane and the team. Toupane has a familiar face in the locker room, and the team has someone who has experience with the newcomer.
Toupane plays solid perimeter defense but can also provide defensive help down low for the team.
While with the 905’s, his head coach, Jesse Mermuys, raved about how Axel is a plus defender that can handle positions one through four.
“That’s the versatility of Axel,” Mermuys said last week, via Raptors Republic. “I think that’s why NBA teams should give him a look, because he can guard one through four. That’s a big time asset. With his size and strength for him to be able to move his feet well enough to stay in front of point guards and do a good job there, and switch pick and rolls, is a big time asset for any NBA team.”
With the playoffs out of the picture for the Nuggets, it seems as if Coach Michael Malone will increase the playing time of the youngsters to help their development, meaning Toupane should see a decent amount of playing time.
