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Toronto Raptors: 3 players playing well in their new roles

By Nickeem Khan

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 11: Malachi Flynn #8 of the Toronto Raptors attempts a shot as RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks defends during their game at Madison Square Garden on April 11, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Raptors 102-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 11: Malachi Flynn #8 of the Toronto Raptors attempts a shot as RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks defends during their game at Madison Square Garden on April 11, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Raptors 102-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Yuta Watanabe, Toronto Raptors
TAMPA, FLORIDA – APRIL 05: Yuta Watanabe #18 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

No. 2: SF Yuta Watanabe

Watanabe has quickly become a fan favorite among Toronto fans. Although he wasn’t playing with the same productivity after the Anthony Edwards’ poster, Watanabe has come alive as of late. In the Raptors recent thrashing of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Yuta notched a career-high in points with 14 points, while tallying five rebounds.

He, of course, followed that game up by setting another career-high by scoring 21 points against Orlando,

Watanabe is arguably the highest energy player on the Raptors roster. He will do his very best to guard every position, and does a very good job at it. His lateral quicks are amazing, allowing him to stay in front of offensive players and make things difficult for them.

Yuta Watanabe is impressing the Toronto Raptors

Currently, Watanabe has been splitting minutes with Rodney Hood since the trade. However, with Watanabe’s offensive game increasing each game, he can potentially steal Hood’s minutes as well.

Obviously, there is more opportunity with DeAndre’ Bembry out of the lineup, but with the productivity Watanabe is providing currently, it exceeds what Bembry would be giving if he was out there on the court.

All the Raptors need is for Watanabe to be a 3-and-D type player, and Yuta definitely has the tools to do so. With consistency improving with the more games he plays, it only grows more evident that the Raptors have found yet another diamond in the rough.

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