Raptors 905: Alize Johnson needs to get called up to the Raptors ASAP

While the Toronto Raptors have fought their way back into the playoff picture, Alize Johnson and Raptors 905 are also making some noise in the G League bubble, winning six of their first nine games. One of the main reasons that Patrick Mutumbo has had so much success has been Johnson and Henry Ellenson on the interior.

While Ellenson is the team’s new leading scorer after Malachi Flynn’s promotion, Johnson, who spent parts of the last two seasons with the Indiana Pacers, has been doing the dirty work, becoming a double-double machine.

Johnson has played the old-school power forward role with confidence and aplomb, averaging 12.8 points and 13.0 rebounds per game in nine games. Johnson’s best game came in that demolition of the Delaware Blue Coats, as he recorded 22 points while hoovering up absurd 20 rebounds in the win over the 76ers affiliate.

Johnson has proven that he is too physical for even the best G League players and teams to corral. Could the former Missouri State star be the one who finally gives the Raptors adequate rebounding inside?

Alize Johnson would be perfect for the Toronto Raptors

Toronto is ranked dead last in the Eastern Conference in rebounding. Not only has losing Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka hurt their depth, but the combination of Pascal Siakam and Aron Baynes is sacrificing physicality inside.

Johnson has averaged 13.3 rebounds per game in the G League between his time with 905 and the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. While he has shown off a face-up game and somewhat solid jump shot, the Raptors calling him up at this stage could ultimately be the best thing for his development as a pro.

He won’t have to carry any sort of scoring load. He can just step right in, be an animal on the glass, and help Toronto win.

On defense, Johnson can hold his own, often playing much bigger than his 6-7 height would indicate. While he might struggle against taller centers, the Raptors have had no problem with playing Siakam at center, showing they will forgo defensive skill if value can be found elsewhere.

Johnson’s rebounding will be his meal ticket to a long career in the NBA and a potential promotion to the NBA with the Raptors in 2020-21. If he gets the call, Johnson should give the Raptors a quality force on the glass while finishing off anything within 12 feet.

Johnson is not a perfect player, as he needs a lot of refining on the offensive end before he can consistently put the ball in the basket at the NBA level. However, the Raptors are the worst rebounding team in the East, and they need someone ready to scratch down low in the paint. Johnson could give them the temporary boost they need to stabilize themselves.