Raptors Uprising bring back player TsJosh in the 2021 NBA 2K League Draft

TORONTO, Canada—The North is rising once again.

Toronto Raptors’ NBA 2K League affiliate Raptors Uprising GC rounded out its roster with a familiar face Saturday night, selecting Joshua “TsJosh” Mckenna 57th overall in the 2021 NBA 2K League Draft.

Originally drafted in the fifth round of the inaugural NBA 2K League Draft by Raptors Uprising, TsJosh spent two seasons in Toronto, helping the franchise earn its first ever playoff berth back in Season 1.

In 29 career regular season games—all with Raptors Uprising—he averaged 8.5 points and 2.0 assists, including a career-high 26 points against Knicks Gaming on July 18, 2019. He also led the team in steals (1.8 per game) in Season 2, as his versatile ability to lock down opponents at various positions will be a welcome addition to what was already the league’s No. 1 ranked defence a year ago.

“Josh earned this opportunity,” said MLSE Esports Manager Shane Talbot. “He was a huge part of our Season 1 run and we saw tremendous growth in him Season 2. Along the way, he always carried himself as a professional and demonstrated that he’s one of the most humble and supportive teammates in the league.

“We got ourselves a late draft gem—again.”

TsJosh returns to Toronto hungry and determined after missing out on the league for the first time in his career in Season 3. That experience has given him a greater appreciation for what it means to be a professional NBA 2K League player, and the Georgia native couldn’t be more excited and humbled to return North of the border in Season 4.

“It means a lot to come back to the league after sitting out a year. I don’t know how many people have done that, but I know I’m in a special group,” said TsJosh. “And it’s not often that you get to go to a great organization, with your guys, on one of the best teams in the league—all in one. I’m just grateful.”

Widely regarded for his poise, sharpshooting ability, and extremely high character, TsJosh reunites with former Season 1 and 2 teammates All Hail Trey—re-acquired from Cavs Legion GC on Nov. 25—and the league’s Most Valuable Player Kenny Got Work. He’s also very familiar with Timelycook, ReeceMode, and Toronto’s new centre Type, having spent many offseasons in the past playing alongside his new Raptors Uprising teammates.

And much like how it worked out for Toronto in 2020, the modest veteran is hoping that pre-existing chemistry that oozes throughout the roster will once again translate into immediate success—in whatever capacity—for a Raptors Uprising team with high expectations this upcoming season.

“My role, whatever that is, is to be the best at it,” said TsJosh. “I’m doing whatever the team asks. Raptors Uprising had a historic season last season, and I’d be a fool not to do all I can do to help the team win.”

“He is coming to a very talented Raptors Uprising team, but it’s one that he can most certainly hang with,” added Talbot. “Josh is a versatile player with the ability to play 1-4 at a pro level, and I expect him to put pressure on all of our guys to reach higher heights and achieve team greatness.”

TsJosh’s addition caps off a busy offseason for Toronto, hoping to build off last year’s unprecedented 16-0, two-tournament-banner campaign. There’s still plenty of work to be done, but the groundwork has been set for what could be a special 2021 campaign.

Here is the Raptors Uprising Season 4 roster:
– Kenny Got Work
– ReeceMode
– Timelycook
– All Hail Trey
– Type
– TsJosh

In total, 63 players were selected to 23 teams in Saturday night’s four-round draft to complete their six-player rosters ahead of Season 4, which will tip off later this spring. Details of the 2021 NBA 2K League season and schedule will be announced at a later date.

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