Raptors Star Sidelined by Knee Surgery Just Ahead of Training Camp!
Toronto Raptors veteran shooting guard Bruce Brown, 28, is facing an unfortunate setback as he recovers from an untimely injury. Brown, considered one of the team’s top trade assets this season, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks, according to a Raptors press release (ESPN’s Tim Bontemps confirmed the report). The 6-foot-4 swingman will be reassessed after the three-week period.
Brown, fresh off winning his first NBA Championship as a crucial sixth man for the Denver Nuggets in 2023, left Denver to explore free agency. With the Nuggets’ salary cap limiting their options, Brown secured a two-year, $45 million contract with the Indiana Pacers. However, his time in Indiana was short-lived.
At the 2023-24 trade deadline, Brown was a central piece in a blockbuster trade that sent two-time All-NBA forward Pascal Siakam to the Pacers. Indiana also traded away Jordan Nwora, Kira Lewis Jr., two 2024 first-round picks, and a protected 2026 first-round pick to Toronto. To facilitate the deal, the Raptors waived backup center Christian Koloko.
The Siakam trade bolstered Indiana’s frontcourt and contributed to their 47-35 finish, securing the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. The move was part of Toronto’s rebuilding efforts, which had also seen them trade OG Anunoby to the Knicks earlier in the season. Anunoby and Siakam, former Raptors teammates from the 2018-19 championship team, ended up facing each other in the second round of the playoffs. Siakam’s Pacers emerged victorious in seven games before being swept by the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Meanwhile, the Raptors fully committed to a rebuild, ending the season with a 25-57 record, placing 12th in the East. Brown played 34 games for Toronto, averaging 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 0.7 blocks, with shooting splits of .481/.317/.833. As the Raptors prepare for another likely lottery season, they have a few veterans on tradable contracts, including Brown and center Kelly Olynyk. However, Brown’s injury could complicate trade scenarios, as he’s of little use to Toronto or any other potential suitors while he’s sidelined. Despite this, the team is optimistic that Brown won’t miss much of the 2024-25 season, though he’s likely to sit out most or all of the preseason.