TORONTO , The Toronto Raptors are betting on youth and potential, officially adding Alijah Martin to their roster with a two-way contract. Alongside Martin, forward David Roddy has also been signed, the team announced Thursday, signaling a clear direction towards rebuilding and developing talent.
Martin, a dynamic guard standing at six-foot-two and weighing in at 208 pounds, was initially drafted by the Raptors in the second round (39th overall) of the 2025 NBA draft. His journey to the Raptors has been marked by both individual success and team achievements.
Last season, Martin played a pivotal role for the NCAA-champion Florida Gators, where he demonstrated his all-around game. He averaged 14.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals across 38 games, starting in 36 of them. He was a consistent presence on the court, logging an average of 30.4 minutes per game.
One particularly memorable moment came during a game against Kentucky, where Martin nailed a step-back three pointer with seconds remaining, securing a crucial victory for the Gators. “What followed was unexpected,” remarked a fan on X.com, “The crowd erupted, and Martin simply shrugged, like it was all in a days work. That’s the kind of composure we need in Toronto.“
His ability to score, rebound, and create opportunities for his teammates makes him a valuable addition to the Raptors’ backcourt. The Raptors see him as a player with significant upside, capable of contributing both on and off the court.
Before his time with Florida, Martin honed his skills over four seasons (2020-24) at Florida Atlantic University. As a junior, he earned All-Conference USA honors, showcasing his talent and leadership abilities. More impressively, he played a key role in leading the Owls to a Final Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament, marking a significant achievement for the program.
Adding to his unique collegiate career, Martin stands as one of just four players in NCAA Division I history to reach the Final Four with two different programs, highlighting his adaptability and impact on winning teams. This rare accomplishment speaks volumes about his dedication and ability to thrive in different environments. It’s this experience the Raptors brass are hoping will translate to the pros. The details of his two-way contract haven’t been disclosed but analysts expect it to be near the league minimum.
Roddy, the other addition to the roster, is a six-foot-five, 255-pound forward who brings a different dimension to the Raptors’ frontcourt. He has NBA experience, having played with Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Houston last season. In 33 games, including three starts, he averaged 4.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 12.4 minutes.
Here are some key facts about the Raptors’ new signings:
- Alijah Martin: A versatile guard known for his scoring and defensive capabilities.
- David Roddy: A physical forward who can provide rebounding and inside scoring.
- Two-Way Contract: Martin’s contract allows him to play for both the Raptors and their G League affiliate.
- Youth Movement: The signings align with the Raptors’ focus on developing young talent.
- Team Needs: The additions address the Raptors’ needs for depth and athleticism.
Roddy, a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was initially selected 23rd overall by the 76ers in the 2022 NBA draft before his rights were acquired by Memphis. He shot a career-best .456 (57-125) from the field last season and scored in double figures six times, showing his potential as a scorer.
However, his journey to Toronto has been anything but straightforward. He was recently reacquired by Atlanta as part of the seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston. Subsequently, he was waived, making him a free agent and allowing the Raptors to swoop in and add him to their roster.
The Raptors are in a period of transition, building around a core of young players. These additions are designed to complement that core and provide valuable depth. One fan on Facebook posted, “These are exactly the types of moves we need to be making. Low risk, high reward. Give these guys a chance to prove themselves.”
The move, while perhaps not splashy, is a shrewd one for a team looking to find diamonds in the rough. Masai Ujiri, the team’s president, has a long history of finding talent where others might not look, and this signing could be another example of that. As the team moves further into the off season, more moves are expected.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2025.
