3 Toronto Raptors who need to elevate their play this season
By Jason Mills
2. Dalano Banton
One of three Canadians playing for the Raptors, Banton is an intriguing prospect to assume backup point guard duties behind Fred VanVleet. A second-round pick in 2021, Banton, a Toronto native, had an up-and-down season.
Early on in the year, he was a reliable substitute before being banished to the G-League. An up-tempo guard, Banton does tend to make silly turnovers. When attacking the basket, Banton’s finishing wasn’t amazing. His shooting has been a problem since college.
Toronto Raptors: Is Dalano Banton a reliable backup point guard?
Should he elevate his play, it would make Toronto a much more balanced team. Last season, one glaring weakness was team dept. Specifically, there was no one to give VanVleet a rest. It resulted in VanVleet playing heavy minutes and suffering both knee and hip ailments.
For his part, Banton has had a very busy summer. He stood out on the Raptors’ Summer League squad and Team Canada during FIBA AmeriCup play. He helped lead the Canadian squad to a top-four placing, earning himself an All-Star team nod at the tournament.
At the moment, his place on the roster is uncertain. The top ten roster spots appear set., However, amongst himself, Malachi Flynn, DJ Wilson, Justin Champagne, and second-round pick Koloko, is Banton guaranteed much of anything on this club?