Raptors Rapture
Fansided

The case for each Raptors non-guaranteed player to make roster

By Mike Luciano

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 02: Dalano Banton #45 of the Toronto Raptors, a teammate of Malachi Flynn (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 02: Dalano Banton #45 of the Toronto Raptors, a teammate of Malachi Flynn (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Toronto Raptors, Josh Jackson
Oct 2, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Utah Jazz forward Simone Fiontecchio (16) shoots the ball over Toronto Raptors forward Josh Jackson (12) Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh Jackson

A former No. 1 recruit, No. 4 overall pick, and double-digit scorer just one year ago, Jackson doesn’t seem like the type of player who should be fighting for his NBA life on a camp deal. Through the first few preseason games, Jackson is making it almost impossible to part ways with him.

Jackson is averaging 11.5 points per game, with many of his shots in the Boston game helping turn the tide. While he’s never been an amazing defender in his career, Jackson appeared to be much improved with Toronto, showing consistent effort and hustle.

Josh Jackson could give the Toronto Raptors a nice scorer.

Jackson is the best choice if Nurse wants to take the best offensive player available. With a 13.4 points per game season under his belt just one season ago, Jackson has shown that his ability to attack the basket and solid jumper can get buckets semi-consistently at the NBA level.

It feels like Jackson has been in the league forever, but he is still only 25 years old. That’s younger than Juancho Hernangomez and the same age as Jeff Dowtin. After being stuck on poorly-run, losing teams like pre-Monty Williams Phoenix, Detroit, and Sacramento, Jackson can benefit from a winning culture in Toronto.