Jamario Moon Is In And Luke Jackson Is Out
By Peter D. WalkerFinally, the speculation can end. Who would be the final roster cut? Some said Moon, many said Luke, Raptor fanboys hoped it would be D-Mart, while a few fans thought it might be Maceo.
Well, Luke Jackson was the recipient of bad news as the Toronto Raptors reduced their roster on Monday.
Basically it was a decision between two likable underdogs – Jamario Moon and Luke Jackson. Both were chasing their NBA dream after toiling in the D-League. Both worked hard and did everything asked of them.
Today, Jamario Moon’s dream came true, while Luke’s dreams were dashed, for now. As happy as Raptor fans are for Jamario, you’ve got to feel for Luke. Even though he played limited minutes, Luke was always encouraging his team mates and playing hard.
After the Raptors' Annual Fanfest yesterday, Luke let it be known how he felt, "I'm not going to lie. I'm going to be pretty heartbroken if they do waive me. That's the NBA, all you can do every day is play hard. I feel like I've worked hard and done everything that they've asked me to. I'm the first one here everyday, last one to leave the gym, so it's up to them."
"It's always hard when you have to release somebody, but players understand it's part of the business," Raptors coach Sam Mitchell said Monday.
As a consolation prize, Luke walks away with guaranteed pay checks over the upcoming season totalling $798,328 USD (too bad he can’t get paid in those real big Canadian dollars) and he’s free to sign with another NBA team or ply his trade in Europe.
Last season, Jackson made his return to the NBA and was signed to a couple of 10-day contracts with the Raptors before Toronto signed him to a two-year deal. Jackson closed out the regular season when he scored a career-high 30 points in a loss to Philadelphia.
On a fast break in his final preseason game versus Washington, Luke had a chance to take it to the hole and impress the coaches by scoring. Instead, he gave it up to Jamario Moon who slammed it home. In that same situation, many NBA players would NOT pass to the guy who was vying for their job.
With that move, Luke proved he was a classy team-first player and I certainly hope he resurfaces in the NBA soon.
And while Moon, D-Mart and Baston dodged a bullet and made the opening day roster - I definitely expect all three to be wearing suits on Wednesday as they receive their first of many DNP's this season.
We hope an NBA team recognizes the importance to team play that Luke represents and gives him another chance.
RaptorTalk: Raptor fans agree!
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