Raptors Take Shot on John Long

John Long, who has spent four years playing exhibition basketball games with Magic Johnson’s all-star team, has joined the Toronto Raptors.

The 40-year-old, who spent 13 seasons in the NBA, signed a free-agent contract Friday. Terms were not disclosed.

“I believe that experience was a missing ingredient on our team,” General Manager Isiah Thomas said. “John has the ability to help give our team the perspective it needs to successfully make it through the long NBA season.”

Long, a graduate of the University of Detroit, played nine seasons with the Detroit Pistons, three with the Indiana Pacers and one with the Atlanta Hawks. He averaged 13.9 points and was an 86% free-throw shooter.