Raptors 905: Alize Johnson, Gary Payton II impressing during uneven start

The Toronto Raptors have been no stranger to dipping into the talent pool provided by the G League, and Raptors 905 will use their truncated season to prove that they can give Nick Nurse some reinforcements as the arduous season continues on.

So far, Patrick Mutumbo’s bunch has started out 1-2, with their most recent game a tough loss against G League Ignite, a team that featured much-hyped NBA Draft prospects like Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and Daishen Nix. Despite the poor record, there has been a couple of players that have genuinely impressed.

While there have been some uneven performances from 2020 draft picks Malachi Flynn and Jalen Harris, two potential NBA players have started to emerge in guard Gary Payton II and forward Alize Johnson. In an offense that is playing very small and fast, Johnson is emerging as a quality small-ball center in the G League’s Disney bubble.

The 6-7 Johnson, who is with 905 after the Indiana Pacers, is averaging 15.0 points and 11.3 rebounds per game through his first three games. Given Aron Baynes’ struggles, we might see Johnson in Toronto soon.

Raptors 905 studs Alize Johnson and Gary Payton could end up in Toronto

Johnson, who was a double-double machine in college at Missouri State, also has an offensive game that the Raptors could develop, even if his poor shooting performance against Ignite leaves something to be desired. With a few more shows of rebounding dominance, he could earn a call-up to a Toronto team that is getting killed on the boards.

Payton, who evolved into a somewhat regular starter with the Washington Wizards last season, 11.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.6 steals per game so far. Just like his father, Payton is trying to get back to the NBA by guarding multiple positions on defense and forcing plenty of turnovers via his feisty play.

Payton has a limited offensive game, as he isn’t an overwhelmingly great shooter and often struggles at generating offense off of the dribble. Despite that, he’s proven to be skilled enough at his one particular trait to potentially work his way back to the NBA. While DeAndre’ Bembry can provide versatility, Payton is better suited for guarding quicker guards on the perimeter.

Considering how Fred VanVleet and Chris Boucher has evolved into indispensable components of the Toronto rotation, it wouldn’t be surprising if Johnson, Payton, or any number of 905 players end up getting some time in Nurse’s rotation.