Brown, Miller or Hayes, for the 15th Roster spot? (Poll)
We can't be certain that the Raptors will award the open final roster spot to anyone, I suppose. But Nigel Hayes is getting a pro-rated share of an NBA minimum contract for each day he is with Toronto - which amounts to over $4K a day. So I assume (with the Raptors so near the salary cap) their interest is real. But each player offers the Raptors something quite different ...
Lorenzo Brown
I think this guy is simply ready to be a a very good NBA back-up - and so offers the Raptors excellent insurance against the departure of Fred VanVleet. But I think it's worth noting that all two-way players become restricted free agents for the next season, if they are called up to the parent club for at least 15 days (Brown is nearing the maximum of 45 days he can spend with the Raptors).
So Lorenzo Brown needn't be converted to an NBA contract just to be sure the Raps can retain his services next season (and the same goes for Malcolm Miller, of course). And with Lowry, VanVleet, Powell and Wright all healthy, there doesn't seem to be much need for depth at the guard position ... even if one considers Brown the best prospect.
Malcolm Miller
Malcolm Miller has played nearly error-free basketball, in non-garbage-time minutes, in some significant Raptors games, during his call-up. He's played good defence, with his 7' 1" wingspan, made some nice cuts and drives, and shot the three-ball well (41%). In 80 total G-league games, Miller has made an average of 5 3PA per game (39%) and 4 2PA (58%), and pulled down just under 5 rebounds, too. And Miller seems a perfect personality fit with the Raptors culture.
But as with Brown, the Raptors don't need to do anything to secure his rights, going forward ... and have OG Anunoby, CJ MIles, Norman Powell DeMar Derozan and Delon Wright available to play the wing positions.
Nigel Hayes
In his one G-League season, in 39 games, Nigel Hayes has shot a similar number of threes as Miller, but at a 45% clip - and didn't seem the least bit shy hoisting them in his one Raptors' appearance. But Hayes at 6'8, 254 lbs., Hayes is a bigger body than Miller, and has pulled down more boards (6.6/game), and more 2PA (7.6) - though at only a 45% success rate. And Hayes has pitched in with a few more assists than Miller.
One caveat, though, is that Hayes got off to a very strong start in college, but struggled mightily as his teams' number one option on offense, after Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker left the University of Wisconsin. It was on that account that he went undrafted after four years of college (before he became such a proficient 3 pt. shooter, in the G-league). And while he's a big body, there is some question about his ability to defend quick small forwards.
The Verdict.
Seems to me Nigel Hayes' contract status, along with his stellar shooting, and his ability to play some PF, and, possibly,guard stronger NBA small forwards will be determinative. The Raps could use either Miller or Hayes' shooting, but it's a "sign him or lose him" situation with Nigel.
I think we all expect Hayes to get another 10-day look, though - during which his mediocre defence might betray him. Or Casey and Masai might gamble on Ibaka and Siakam's health at the PF position, or be prepared to lean on Alfonzo MicKinnie, if need be. Miller might be thought a better "fit", and a better match-up for a Jayson Tatum or Lorenzo Borwn. But versus a LeBron ...?
I suppose there's thee possibility that Alfonzo Mickinnie might be waived, too, to create a roster spot for both Miller and Hayes . But there are financial implications, as close as the raps are to the cap. So, sadly (as I really like Miller, and think he's been everything we'd hoped) I think positional need and the "now or never" aspect of Hayes' candidacy, along with cash implications, will win out ... Though I expect both Brown and Miller will be in training camp with the Raptors for next year ...