As first reported by Sportando, one of the Denver Nuggets’ two-way roster spots will be occupied. Torrey Craig, a surprise standout for Denver’s 2017 Las Vegas Summer League squad, has been offered a contract.
Torrey Craig agreed to a deal with the Denver Nuggets, per source
— Sportando (@Sportando) July 16, 2017
Chris Dempsey of Altitude Sports also confirms that Craig will be taking the 16th roster spot on a two-way deal.
I am confirm the #Nuggets deal with summer league standout Torrey Craig, and add that it is a two-way contract.
— Chris Dempsey (@chrisadempsey) July 16, 2017
Craig, who last played for the Gold Coast Rollers of the Queensland Basketball League (QBL), was an under-the-radar player that the Denver coaching staff and execs thought highly of heading into summer league. His play in Vegas warranted an opportunity to join the team.
In Summer League, Craig averaged 11.5 points and 4.8 rebounds, while also showcasing the defense that led him to being named the 2016-17 NBL Defensive Player of the Year for the Brisbane Bullets.
“I really feel as if I displayed versatility in the summer league,” said Craig after his final summer league game. “I feel as if I used my size to my advantage and showed I could guard multiple positions while also showing I could do some scoring, so my versatility was on full display.”
While it’s hard to put too much stock into Summer League, Craig’s versatility and work on the defensive end of the court makes for a strong case for the Nuggets to give him a good look. He answers one of the biggest problems that the team is looking to answer this upcoming season – a point guard who limits turnovers and plays both sides of the floor.
He’ll unlikely be a small part of the rotation in camp and preseason, but from what we’ve seen in Summer League, he’s really given himself a strong case to stick with the Nuggets long-term.
Featured Image Credit: National Basketball League