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Running out of bodies and wanting to give Jerryd Bayless ample room at point guard, the Raptors played somewhat awkward musical D-League chairs and signed Trey Johnson to a 10-day contract while shuffling out the always serviceable Sundiata Gaines.

Johnson has been the D-League's most prolific scorer this season, which can mean both good or cynical things depending on your mood or prism.

He could have made far more in guaranteed money by going to Europe, but his insistence on NBA ambition at the age of 26 is to be admired.

Johnson is a rhythm scorer, liking to create off the dribble whether it is to get to the bucket or hit a pull-up. While in the D-League, Johnson would attempt more than half of his shots off the dribble either in ISOs or from on-ball screens. Johnson has an advanced understanding of how to create space and enter space off the dribble, which allows him to convert at such a high percentage in those situations.

While reviewing his D-League tape, it is admittedly easy to envision him finding success as a playmaker in a few five minute stints for a team in Toronto's current predicament.

The skepticism I sometimes have with players like Johnson is that they can be dominant individual scorers against mediocre competition, but aren't good enough for that to translate on the NBA level and aren't built to score as a complementary piece.

Johnson has the potential to differentiate himself, however, because he is a capable perimeter shooter. He shoots with a lot of confidence and has a quick release.

The defensive end of the floor won't be the reason why Johnson finds permanent NBA residence, but he at least is motivated, intelligent and has suitable athleticism.

Trey Johnson won't change Toronto's season or franchise trajectory, but he at least represents a player with upside at a position of current need. The Raptors have been thin behind DeMar DeRozan at shooting guard and Johnson will be able to play a similar role as what was designed for Leandro Barbosa.

Grade for Raptors: A-

For Johnson, who is playing for an NBA future more than he truly is for the Raptors, he gets opportunities and that is the gold of mid-twenties pros looking for a real break.

Grade for Johnson: A