River Lions sign former NBA player
Joe Raso was hoping to wheel and deal at the National Basketball League of Canada trade deadline, instead the Niagara River Lions head coach and general manager landed the biggest name without even having to pick up the phone. That’s right.
It was Kris Joseph who made the call.
The former NBAer and Montreal native is close friends with current River Lions forward Dwayne Smith.
“I was home for a while after leaving France in late November,” explained the 29-year old Joseph who played with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets.
“I was working out staying ready for any opportunity that presented itself, and the wait got a little long so I spoke to Dwayne about possibly joining the team. I’ve known Dwayne since we were kids competing against one another in provincial games, the Canada Games and also junior Canada Ball. Dwayne told me he would ask Joe (Raso) who I also know through CanBall (Canadian Basketball) growing up.”
Joseph, a second-round pick of the Boston Celtics in 2012 after starring at Syracuse University, practised with the Lions for the first time Tuesday afternoon.
“I felt good. These guys hadn’t been on the court for two days since their last game and wanted to get at it, so it was good to be involved in an intense practice,” Joseph said.
Raso knows what Joseph brings to the court, but it’s his presence off it and in the locker room that the Niagara head coach is perhaps looking forward to the most.
“We’re really excited,” said Raso. “He brings us some shooting right now that we need, he brings us veteran leadership, and a very positive attitude.
“He’s an experienced guy that’s played in front of big crowds, he’s played everywhere in the world at very high levels.”
Joseph, who has played in Italy along France since leaving the NBA, will likely slot in the shooting guard position for Raso and will hopefully make his River Lions debut Sunday afternoon against the London Lightning.
“A guy like Kris isn’t here because his career is over, he’s here because he wants to get better,” said Raso.
“Our goal is we hope we have a roster of guys here that want to get better.
“And the fact that he (Joseph) reached out to us – that’s a quality player that wants to play, and that isn’t looking at just a team with a winning record. I feel good about it, and I feel comfortable about it.”
Raso did manage to trade three players late Monday night.
Carl Hall was dealt to the Island Storm for guard Torrence Dyck Jr. Dyck Jr. was a player Raso had on his radar since the Lions summer and free-agent training camps, and whom the head coach calls “a dog on the court.” Dyck Jr. is known for his tenacious.
Marvell Waithe, who hadn’t played for Niagara since Jan. 21, was traded to the Moncton Magic for a second-round pick in this year’s NBLC draft.
And Anthony Stover, who never dressed for the River Lions in a game, was moved to the St. John’s Edge for future considerations.
“We had too many bigs (forwards and centres) and were log-jammed at that position, and we knew coming down to the playoffs that if we had a little more length and a little bit more shooting that we might be able to play small and play better,” Raso added.
Joseph will practise the rest of the week trying to get back into game shape as he and the Lions will play nine of their final 11 regular season games on home court at Meridian Centre.
“To me coming here was a nobrainer,” said Joseph. “I’ve only heard great things about this organization from several sources. I’m excited to be playing again, period. Being a part of this group is a big bonus.
“After doing a little research it was the best basketball move I could have made. I’m thankful to all involved in getting me here – from the owner, right down to Dwayne.”