Raptors: Dalano Banton’s energy has made him indispensable

The Toronto Raptors drafted Rexdale native Dalano Banton with the 46th pick of the 2021 NBA Draft expecting to get a developmental ball of clay that likely would need a ton of time in the G League before he was ready to go. After all, when you’re a 6-9 guard, barely 200-pound with shooting issues, how could you immediately jump into an NBA rotation?

Banton has been so impressive early in his career that he not only has jumped over former first-round pick Malachi Flynn in the rotation, but he has even managed to relegate Goran Dragic to the role of spectator, taking all of his minutes in Toronto’s rotation. The results, to put it bluntly, have been exceptional.

Banton is averaging 4.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, all with solid defense. While those numbers might not blow anyone away purely at face value, the fact that Banton looks like such a surprisingly refined player that can contribute to winning basketball this early in his career is a pleasant development.

Banton may have been given a chance in the rotation due to both the ineptitude of Dragic and injuries to Pascal Siakam and Yuta Watanabe, but after watching how he has performed early in his career, the Raptors need to keep the native Canadian in the rotation by any means necessary.

Dalano Banton has been almost undroppable for the Toronto Raptors.

Banton is not on this team to be an elite shooter, at least not yet. Rather, he needs to be switchable on defense. use his long limbs to create deflections and turnovers, and attack the basket in transition. As raw as he may be, he’s checking those boxes, as a player that is 6-9 with his level of bounce and explosion doesn’t always get passed over 45 times.

Banton’s offense figured to be a work in progress, but he’s already shown to be a solid passer, worthwhile finisher, and willing shooter. He won’t shoot 60% from 3-point range all season long, but he’s clearly a much better shooter already than he was at Nebraska. That, paired with his defensive instincts, should guarantee him a spot in this rotation,

Banton needs to be given a long developmental leash, as the Raptors have been very open about how this year is more about improving young talent than competing for a championship. There’s no reason he should be banished to the bench when everyone else is healthy.

Working on jumpers in practice is all well and good, but the experience he’ll gain with legit NBA minutes. The second unit has clearly come alive with Banton’s increased minutes, and Nurse turning his back on No. 45 would be a foolish move.