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3 Raptors preseason stars who made statements to Nick Nurse

By Mike Luciano

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 01: Dalano Banton #45 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 01: Dalano Banton #45 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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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 /

2. SF Josh Jackson

Jackson has been passed around the NBA more than most No. 4 picks, mostly because teams keep believing that they have the secret sauce needed to turn him into a viable NBA backup wing. Many teams have tried, but the Raptors might be the one who finally gets the most out of him.

Jackson scored 10 points against the Jazz and 13 points against the Celtics, as his athleticism and bounce helped Toronto’s offense get hot enough to pull ahead. He didn’t have his best night against the Rockets, but that shouldn’t take the shine off his first two games.

Josh Jackson is showing his athletic ability to the Toronto Raptors.

For all of the criticism Jackson had endured in his career, he has seldom been in an environment that is serious about winning. The pre-Monty-Williams Suns, lowly Kings, and Dwane Casey-coached Pistons are just a few of the teams he has languished on. The Raptors give him a completely different situation.

While Jackson hasn’t officially beaten out Justin Champagnie and D.J. Wilson just yet, he certainly has tons of momentum and fan support at his back. If Jackson doesn’t make the team, his spirited performances in the preseason will help him land a job with another NBA team two seconds after he becomes available.