Toronto Raptors 2022-23 season preview: PG Jeff Dowtin

The Toronto Raptors still needed to fill one of their two-way contract spots by the time Summer League rolled around. After seeing the show that Jeff Dowtin put on for Toronto in Las Vegas, Nick Nurse and Masai Ujiri decided to make him a part of the squad for 2022-23.

After being undrafted following a standout college career at Rhode Island, the 6-3 lightning bolt thought that his speedy style of play and quality 3-point shot would be enough to get him some NBA looks. He’s made his way into NBA games for three different franchises.

Dowtin, who played four games as a backup with the Orlando Magic last year, averaged 16.0 points and 4.0 assists per game while making 61% of his shots. With Toronto needing all the help they can get in the backcourt depth department, Dowtin is a worthwhile addition.

Dowtin and former Rutgers star Ron Harper Jr. will likely spend most of their time plying their trade with Raptors 905 this season, but getting some NBA minutes is by no means impossible. Dowtin has skills that could appeal to Nurse if he needs more juice on the offensive end.

Toronto Raptors season preview: How will Jeff Dowtin mesh?

Stats: 2.1 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 31% FG

Dowtin is best served as a ball-dominant guard that can fly to the rim and finish inside. However, as proven in Summer League, he’s not above nailing a well-timed jumper if the situation calls for it. He’s worthy of time in the NBA.

Dalano Banton made some strides last year, but he still needs to prove that his offensive game will translate. Malachi Flynn has been dominating pro-am showcases, but will that be enough to help him get NBA minutes? Dowtin has a chance to sneak into the lineup in the same way Justin Champagnie did.

Positives

Dowtin and Flynn have very similar offensive skillsets, with both of them living to dominate the ball and blow past less skilled defenders. The speed as a ball-handler is what stands out, and it will almost assuredly be his meal ticket to success in the NBA. Raptors 905 can help him work on his ability as a passer.

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Negatives

Dowtin can be viewed as anywhere from a below-average defender to someone who will be as milquetoast as can be on that end. Considering Nurse’s obsession with length, Dowtin has an uphill climb. While he has a few cups of coffee in the NBA,  he only shot 31% from the field. How representative of his overall game is that stretch?

Expectations

Like Harper, Dowtin will spend most of this season in Mississauga. Even if the Raptors require extra point guard help, he’s probably not going to be one of the first names Nurse calls on. Having said that, Dowtin has shown he can operate within Toronto’s offense,.