Toronto Raptors rookie Dalano Banton has cleared the NBA’s health and safety protocols and will be available to play on Sunday versus the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Banton was one of several Raptors players to enter the health and safety protocols recently as the team experienced a coronavirus outbreak. Toronto still has 10 players out because of the health and safety protocols and has just seven available to play on Sunday.
The Raptors will need to make additional roster moves in order to avoid another postponement. Teams are required to sign replacement players via hardship exceptions so Toronto has at least another signing to come to make the league minimum of eight available players.
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Players and coaches entered into the health and safety protocols are required to miss a minimum of 10 days in isolation. However, they can be cleared to play sooner if they return two consecutive negative PCR tests taken at least 24 hours apart.
Banton, through 27 games, is averaging 4.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 12.7 minutes. He has played a small role off the bench this season for Toronto, while he has also logged time with the Raptors 905 in the NBA G League.
With the Raptors decimated by the health and safety protocols, the team will get a big addition back in Banton. He will be one of just four roster players available, plus the replacements, and will likely log heavy minutes for the short-handed Raptors.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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