The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday that they've signed Eric Moreland and he'll be eligible for the playoffs.
Official: We've signed centre Eric Moreland. He will be eligible for the playoffs.
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 9, 2019
Details - https://t.co/rhxqvYNr6V pic.twitter.com/6239UTNbV5
Who is Moreland and what does he bring to the team? Let's take a closer look at the Raptors' latest signing.
Background
Moreland was born on Dec. 24, 1991, in Houston, Texas.
College experience
Moreland attended Oregon State, where he averaged 7.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks over 89 games. He declared for the NBA Draft following his junior season, leaving Oregon State as the school's all-time leader in blocked shots.
NBA experience
Moreland didn't hear his name called in the 2014 NBA Draft, but he has played for the Sacramento Kings, Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns over the last five years and was in training camp with the Raptors prior to this season.
He's played in a total of 79 regular season games in the NBA, posting 1.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.7 blocks in 10.9 minutes per contest. He showed off his full potential in the Pistons' final game of the 2017-18 season, when he finished with 16 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, four steals and four blocks in a win over the Chicago Bulls.
Moreland has logged significantly more minutes in the D-League in his professional career, where he's suited up for the Reno Bighorns and Canton Charge. He was at his best in 2016-17, when he averaged 12.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in 44 games with the Charge.
Moreland was rewarded at the end of the season by being named to the All-NBA D-League Third Team and the NBA D-League All-Defensive Team.
He also represented the Charge at the D-League All-Star Game.
Skill set
Moreland is a 6-foot-10 big man who has a reputation of being a solid rebounder and shot blocker, as well as an underrated passer.
With him, on the roster, while Ibaka serves his three-game suspension, the Raptors won't have to lean on Marc Gasol, Pascal Siakam and Chris Boucher to soak up all of the minutes at centre.