Raptors sign DJ Augustin to 1-year deal

May 26, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers point guard D.J. Augustin (14) stands on the free throw line against the Miami Heat in game three of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Heat won 114-96. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /

It has been a busy off-season for the Toronto Raptors, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. Former Denver Nuggets general manager Masai Ujiri has taken the reins, and he has made another quick, under-the-radar move by signing former Bobcats and Pacers point guard DJ Augustin to a one-year contract.

Financial terms of the move are undisclosed at this time, but it has been speculated to be a cheap (near-minimum) contract for Augustin to fill the backup role to oft-injured point guard Kyle Lowry. Last season in Indiana, Augustin struggled a bit, posting a career-low 11.04 PER in 76 games (including 5 starts). Much of that lackluster performance can be attributed to an abysmal shooting season that saw the former Texas product shoot just 35% from the field, and without that weapon, the undersized Augustin struggles mightily on offense.

However, he is in a clearly defined role in Toronto while backing up Lowry, and he will be called upon simply for a steadying influence off of the bench. At 25 years old, Augustin should, theoretically, be in the middle of his prime, and if he can right the ship with his shooting stroke (he is a career 37% shooter from 3-point land), this could be a wildly effective signing for the new regime in Canada.

Augustin’s acquisition won’t lead any headlines in the US on Monday or Tuesday, but this could be a foundational move for the Raptors if all goes well with this low-risk contract.

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