Raptors rookie progress reports: Are the youngsters developing?
By Mike Luciano
Dalano Banton
Positives: Defensive Versatility, Speed
Banton was a rotation mainstay in the early parts of the season, as Nurse was completely infatuated with his long arms and ability to blow past defenders at 6-9. Able to lock down opponents on the wing and switch everything, the former Nebraska product appeared to be more pro-ready than most anticipated.
Banton was so impressive in the preseason and early parts of the regular season that he overtook Malachi Flynn in the rotation and looks like the more promising offensive player. While he slipped in the drat due to how raw he is, it appears as though Nurse has helped him find his footing in the pros.
Dalano Banton has been up and down for the Toronto Raptors.
Negatives: Offensive Creation
Banton has fallen out of the rotation because he is too raw on the offensive end. His sharp interior finishing hasn’t been as potent in recent weeks, and his 3-point shooting remains a liability. He’s received several assignments to Raptors 905 to work on those issues.
At least fans can take solace in the fact that Banton is proving to be much too good for the lower ranks, putting up obscene numbers in the G League. Once he regains his confidence on offense, he should have no trouble reestablishing himself in the pros.
Grade: B-