In a move that appears to be a fullcourt press to keep star PF Chris Bosh in Toronto, the Raptors improved their backcourt by signing restricted free agent guard Jarrett Jack.
Numbers Game breaks down the deal.
The Raptors Get: G Jarrett Jack.
Jack, 25, enjoyed a very productive season in 2008-2009, starting 52 of 82 games and averaging a career-best 13.1 points per game. The solidly-built guard has proven to be quite durable, missing just six games total in four NBA seasons.
Manning both guard positions in Indiana, 6-foot-3 Jack was actually more effective at shooting guard, which bodes well for the Raptors, since they don't have a proven performer at the position. Newly-acquired Antoine Wright and rookie DeMar DeRozan should see time at the position, but Jack will also be part of the rotation at that spot.
A point guard when he played with Chris Bosh at Georgia Tech, Jack will be a definite upgrade to the Raptors as Jose Calderon's primary backup, providing steady play and decent shooting. As a result, Roko Ukic may be hard-pressed to see the 12.4 minutes of floor time per game that he did as a rookie.
Jack's departure opens the door for T.J. Ford to resume the starting point guard role in Indiana. While certainly not as durable, Ford is a more productive player and the Pacers will expect Mike Dunleavy to be a healthy and contributing member of the starting five again, allowing the Pacers to let Jack leave as a restricted free agent.
Signed for four years and $20-million, Jack will be a prominent part of the Raptors' rotation in the years to come, though he may not play 33-plus minutes per night as he did last season, making it difficult for him to exceed 12 points and 4 assists per game; not exactly the most productive player, but if his presence helps in the Raptors' efforts to keep Chris Bosh, then he may be worth the investment.
Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@ctv.ca