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.
Raptors 905 potential star No. 3: SG Nik Stauskas
Nik Stauskas could provide Raptors 905 with great shooting
A former social media sensation and star on the court at Michigan, Stauskas ended up being selected eighth overall in the 2014 draft by the Sacramento Kings. Unfortunately, he never developed a tremendous offensive game outside of his 3-ball, and that led to him playing for five teams in five seasons, averaging 6.8 points per game along the way.
Stauskas went overseas in order to continue his career, averaging 8.2 points per game while making 37 percent of his threes for Saski Baskonia. Hoping to potentially be one of the few Canadiens to actually play for the Raptors, Stauskas took advantage of the G League’s designated veteran rule in order to carve out a spot with 905.
Nurse, Mutumbo, and the Raptors know what they’re getting in Stauskas, as he is a solid shooter that will struggle on the defensive end. However, Sauce Castillo has proven that when he gets hot from deep, he can single-handedly change the outcome of games by raining down a barrage of 3-pointers.
After some promising numbers in Europe, Stauskas will take on a similar level of competition in the G League. If he can translate his success to the G League and help 905 win some games, the Wolverine might do just enough to earn a call-up to the pros when Toronto finds themselves in need of shooting.
Raptors 905 potential star No. 2: PF/C Alize Johnson
Alize Johnson could earn some NBA minutes by playing well in Orlando
The stocky forward and Jimmy Butler doppelganger dominated the college ranks at Missouri state, averaging 15.0 points and 11.6 rebounds per game in his final season. His ability to hoover up rebounds, bang down low with players much bigger than him, and guard multiple positions helped him entice the Indiana Pacers to use a second-round pick on him.
While Johnson shot plenty of threes in college, he wasn’t the best shooter ever at 28 percent. While he stands just 6-7, his game centers around using his muscle to fight for tough baskets inside. He’ll face competition from former first-round pick Henry Ellenson, but Johnson could earn a two-way spot if Yuta Watanabe’s deal gets converted into a proper NBA contract.
Aron Baynes has been a complete failure on both ends of the floor, and waiving Alex Len has only made it more difficult for the Raptors to get depth at the center position. Chris Boucher has been a massive help, but the skinny big man often struggled against more muscular offensive players.
In days of old, Johnson would’ve been a prototypical power forward given his solid mid-range jumper. In the modern NBA, his bulk and energy make him an ideal small-ball center. With Boucher struggling against bigger centers and Baynes disappointing, Johnson might have some pro experience in his future.
Raptors 905 potential star No. 1: PG Malachi Flynn
Will Malachi Flynn rediscover what made him great in college?
Flynn, picked ahead of rookie studs like Desmond Bane, Xavier Tillman, and Theo Maledon at pick No. 29, seemed like a home-run selection for Toronto. The Mountain West Player and Defensive Player of the Year, Flynn looked ready to step right into the pros and back up Kyle Lowry. Unfortunately, since he’s down in Orlando, that hasn’t been the case.
Flynn has made just 28 percent of his shots and 21 percent of his threes this season, which necessitated the move to the bubble. Flynn seemed, at times, overwhelmed with the speed of the NBA game, which led to him losing confidence. Hopefully, he can rediscover that fire in the G League.
Given the trade rumors surrounding Kyle Lowry, he could earn himself a promotion if the Raptors fail to get anything substantial back in return for the veteran point guard and lack depth at the position.
Flynn might’ve been rawer than Masai Ujiri expected, but he is still worth developing. The former San Diego State Aztec is a big part of Toronto’s future, and some time in the G League could end up having the same effect on him as it did for another undersized, collegiate star point guard in VanVleet.