Raptors 905, the developmental affiliate of the Toronto Raptors, will be kicking off an unusual G League season today, as they will play a truncated 15-game schedule in the safety of Walt Disney World, as the league is trying to mimic the success that the NBA had in finishing out their season while keeping everyone healthy amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The G League is as valuable to Toronto as any other team in the league, as their strong culture of player development has helped players like Fred VanVleet and Chris Boucher make the move from the minor leagues to the regular rotation, all the while becoming two of the most efficient scorers at their position.
With a good mix of young talent, veterans looking for a second chance, and rehabilitation projects, there is a good chance that head coach Patrick Mutumbo and 905 end the season with some jewelry on their hands.
Raptors 905 has been named NBA G League Franchise of the Year
— Vivek Jacob (@vivekmjacob) February 9, 2021
Look for these four players to use the G League bubble as a springboard that helps them get more consistent playing time.
These 4 Raptors 905 players could excel in the G League
Raptors 905 potential star No. 4: SG/PG Gary Payton II
Gary Payton will bring his brand of tough defense to the bubble
The son of Seattle SuperSonics legend Gary Payton, known throughout his career as “The Glove”, Payton II, dubbed “The Mitten” in homage to his father, has an almost identical playstyle. While both are tough, defense-first point guards, they have had very different starts to their NBA careers.
While Payton II followed in his father’s footsteps at Oregon State, he’s had to bounce around between the Bucks, Lakers, and, most recently, the Washington Wizards to keep his head afloat. Payton played in 29 games for Washington last year, starting 17. He averaged 3.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in that reserve role.
Unlike his father, Payton II hasn’t proven to be a great offensive player, making 41 percent of his shots and 26 percent of his threes. Despite that, the Raptors could be interested in his services, as the lack of point guard depth and struggling perimeter defense could lead Payton on a path towards NBA minutes.
Payton is a one-dimensional player, but that trait is so dominant at this level that it could get Nick Nurse intrigued by his potential and in the mix for a potential NBA callup. If the Raptors keep playing defense as they did for the first three quarters in their win against Memphis, Payton could get the call sooner rather than later.