Buffalo Bills’ Brandon Spikes and Mike Williams Fined by the NFL by Chris Okrainetz

Toronto Raptors to enter training camp with 17 players. Cherry, Steimsma, and Hamilton enter camp with non-guaranteed contracts.

The Toronto Raptors are set to open training camp next week. Riding the wave of last season’s amazing run, the Raps are unlikely to shake up their rotation in major ways. Louis Williams and James Johnson will work in. John Salmons and Steve Novak are out. Nothing major.

But one battle with some intrigue is brewing. As per Doug Smith:

Given the contract status and roles of returning players and summer acquisitions, and barring any unexpected trades, the only “race” will be between Will Cherry, Greg Steimsma and Jordan Hamilton for a final open roster spot. – Doug Smith for The Star, describing the battle for the final Toronto Raptors bench spot

Fighting for their NBA lives, which out of the group is the most likely to win the competition for the final Toronto Raptors roster spot?

Toronto Raptors Roster Battle; Cherry, Stiemsma, Hamilton

Mar 21, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Montana Grizzlies guard Will Cherry (5) controls the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first half of the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Will Cherry

A strong, tough, Dwane Casey type of player. Cherry is a great defender who generates steals and grabs rebounds at a good rate for a guard.

Offensively, Cherry is unlikely to be a threat at the NBA-level. He slashes to the bucket and is a good passer. But, his shooting is inconsistent. Points will not be Cherry’s calling card.

With Kyle Lowry, Greivis Vasquez, and Louis Williams already in the fold, Cherry’s Raptor upside is very limited.

Jordan Hamilton

Now that James Johnson is back with the Toronto Raptors, Jordan Hamilton offers very little.

He was originally a first round pick three years ago (26th overall, Dallas Mavericks) but has averaged only 5.8 points and 2.8 rebounds since entering the NBA.

Hamilton doesn’t have a chance unless the Raptors decide they need someone around in case The Raptor goes down again.

Greg Stiemsma

A 6’11, 260 lbs centre, Stiemsma has averaged 3.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game over three seasons with Boston, Minnesota, and New Orleans.

Obviously, he’s not a stat sheet stuffer.

But, the Toronto Raptors have only Jonas Valanciunas as a true centre in their lineup. Amir Johnson is better suited at power forward. Chuck Hayes, the second unit’s sometimes-centre, is only 6’6. Lucas Nogueira is likely ticketed for the D-League or DNP-CD as he matures for a season.

With such a clear need at the position, Stiemsma may have to play himself out of a roster spot.

What do you think, Toronto Raptors fans? Which of these three players is most likely to stick at the end of the Raps’ bench?