4 Raptors role players who need to step up to seal playoff spot

3. Armoni Brooks

Even when Malachi Flynn returns from his injury, Brooks has played well enough to the point where he should be given some valuable minutes if re-signed. On a team that lacks elite 3-point shooting, Brooks has an itchy trigger finger and the ability to handle the ball on offense.

Don’t read into Brooks making 28% of his 3-pointers. He started slow and often doesn’t play enough to get into a groove. While Toronto should hold his shooting in high regard, Brooks has played so well on the defensive end that he could carve out a role for himself when everyone gets healthy.

Armoni Brooks is playing well for the Toronto Raptors.

Brooks has picked up a handful of steals, as his 6-9 wingspan fits right in with what Toronto wants from their perimeter players. His hustle has been admirable and his ability to pick up a very complex defensive scheme in a very short amount of time has been worthy of praise.

The Raptors thought so highly of Brooks that they parted with a very impressive big man in DJ Wilson to sign him. While Toronto will likely use their top draft pick on adding a bench player in the backcourt, Brooks has been a more than capable short-term fix.