Here’s why Josh Jackson could make Raptors’ opening roster

The Toronto Raptors needed to fill one more training camp roster spot following the departure of Svi Mykhailiuk, and Masai Ujiri opted for proven NBA experience rather than taking a lottery ticket on a youngster. Just a year removed from being discarded by the Detroit Pistons, Josh Jackson is coming to Toronto.

Jackson is an interesting case to study. A former No. 4 overall pick who had a strong rookie season, Jackson’s inability to become a great shooter led to a decline in production and a release by Phoenix. After a stint in Memphis, Jackson averaged 13.4 points per game in 2020-21 with the Pistons.

Jackson couldn’t replicate his breakout season in 2021-22, which led to him eventually being traded to the Kings. He was in danger of starting the season without a team before a wing-needy Toronto team decided to take a chance on him and his still potent athletic ability.

The Raptors would do well to give Jackson a very long leash and bring him onto the opening night roster. As unlikely as it may sound, there is a universe in which the 6-8 small forward rides his rim-rattling dunking to another spot on an NBA roster.

Will Josh Jackson make the Toronto Raptors?

While Dalano Banton and Justin Champagnie are both technically on non-guaranteed deals, both of them are expected to make the final roster due to promising rookie seasons. That leaves Jackson competing with Juancho Hernangomez, DJ Wilson, and Gabe Brown for one of the final spots.

Brown has some intrigue, but he is likely going to be a Raptors 905 piece this season. Toronto will probably decide between Hernangomez’s shooting and Wilson’s high-energy defense for one of the final spots, though Juancho’s guaranteed money might make him a favorite.

However, Jackson has the potential to beat out both of them. Still a top-shelf athlete who is only going to turn 26 this season, Jackson has a proven record of scoring in the NBA, even if it came on some bad teams. While not a Scottie Pippen-esque perimeter defender, he can hold his own.

If Jackson’s most significant issue is shooting, a coach like Nick Nurse would be perfect for him given his record of fixing players with poor jumpers. If that clicks, a Raptors team that needs more depth on the wing would be more inclined to roll the dice on Jackson than a defensive negative like Hernangomez or the offensively limited Wilson.

Jackson won’t be a needle-mover in the rotation, in all likelihood, but there’s value to be had in bringing him in and seeing if he’s one or two tweaks away from finally reaching his full potential. Jackson may have the highest ceiling out of all Toronto’s non-guaranteed players.