Last year, the Raptors utilized 7 different players on their two-way contracts as injuries and a lack of depth in some positions created a bit of a revolving door. It was mutually beneficial, as they got
a great look at a bunch of different guys throughout the season and the players had the opportunity to showcase their skills and turn them into their next contracts.
Now, only one will return as a Two-Way: Ulrich Chomche. The other two spots have been given to their 39th pick Alijah Martin and undrafted pickup Chucky Hepburn.
In a best case scenario, the Raptors are healthy and the Two-Ways spend the season honing their skills in the G-League. It would give them the opportunity to build chemistry and work on some of their weaknesses. There may be opportunities for them to be called up as well, depending on the health of the team as the season goes on.
Summer League gave us a brief look at what we can hope for from these guys, so let’s break it down.
Ulrich Chomche
Perhaps one of their most intriguing prospects, a 6’ 11”, 235 pound, mobile big has all of the physical tools you’d want in a modern center. He’s very raw though and his injury in February that derailed his rookie season was a stroke of bad luck.
His MCL has healed though and he returned for Summer League, averaging 6.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and an assist in about 20 minutes of action.
The biggest claim to fame for him is his defensive prowess, specifically when it comes to blocking:
He had six games with more than five blocks during the 905 season, which he didn’t even get to play from start to finish.
He is developing an ability to roll as well, using his height to elevate above defenders:
He’s not just there to get out and run and dunk though. He’s continuing to show a developing basketball IQ that helps him see cutters and lanes and deliver passes on time and on target:
His biggest weakness is a toss-up between his lack of shooting and his poor positioning.
From a shooting standpoint, that will just take time in the gym. A modern big man can usually help space the floor. He didn’t attempt a single long-range shot in Summer League or in the seven NBA games he appeared in, but he made 2 of the 4 he took in his 19 games in the G-League. Most of his points come around the rim, but being able to help space the floor by being a shooting threat is a necessity as well.
In terms of positioning, that’s also just a repetition thing. He already looks better in Summer League than he did during the regular season, and he’s talked about watching a lot of tape and learning where he should be.
Out of all three of the Two-Ways, he seems to be the most likely to get a call-up, especially with some limited depth at the center spot. He’d probably benefit from the experience as well. Ultimately though, this is a huge growth year for him, and repetitions are the biggest necessity.
Chucky Hepburn
It’s beyond any doubt that his biggest asset is defence. He was awarded the 2025 ACC Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts, something that didn’t surprise anyone once he stepped onto the court in Summer League.
In theory, he’s tough, aggressive, and smart at that end and never gives up on a play. In practice, that turned into an average of 4.6 personal fouls per game in Summer League, limiting his playing time to only a little over 13 minutes per game.
In training camp he’s wreaking havoc as well, with his first summer training with the Raps under his belt:
Beyond just defense, he has demonstrated a solid ability to facilitate as well:
His biggest weakness so far is shooting, a normal occurrence for guys as they transition to the NBA. He shot just over 22% in Vegas. In college, his shot gradually improved over the four years he spent in college to about 43% from the field in his season with Louisville, averaging 16 points per game.
It’s unlikely we’ll see much of him with the Raps, as he’d be competing for minutes with IQ, RJ, Shead, Gradey, and Ja’Kobe for guard minutes. The 905 will be a good opportunity for him to get lots of minutes to help develop his shot and playmaking before he’s called up. He’ll also need some practice on playing his brand of defence without giving up too many fouls.
Alijah Martin
Despite a small sample size, he had a great Summer League with the Raps. Playing 18 minutes per game, he averaged just under 9-3-2. He’s fitting the mold of a defensive minded guard, who’s gritty and tough. With the limited minutes he played in Vegas, he’s already managed to turn that into one of the most exciting posters of the whole week:
This isn’t new for Gators fans though, they’ve been watching him do this stuff in college:
He’s extremely athletic and strong, making him a tough matchup in the paint. He’s shown some creativity moving the defence around to find his shot as well:
Probably not as easy though once he steps onto an NBA court. Then, he’ll need to work on his shooting. From long range, he finished his 5-year college stint at 35%. Pairing that with 45% from the floor provides some room for improvement, especially when you consider the jump in pace and defence he’ll be facing at the NBA level.
For him, the solution will be the same as Chucky. Minutes in the 905 will be a huge benefit to him, allowing him to make the switch to professional basketball while also working on all of the little facets of his game that still need improvement. With more consistent shooting and repetitions, he might work his way up for a game or two with the big team.
Although we may see most of their minutes with the 905, they could have an intriguing season. The aggressive defence and rim protection will prove to be a challenge for any teams that visit the North. Who knows? We might be seeing the first pieces of another G-League championship team coming together.
