While the Toronto Raptors may have started off the 2022-23 season in one of the most disappointing fashions possible, their recent hot streak following the addition of Jakob Poeltl and the reinsertion of two-way guard Jeff Dowtin Jr. into the lineup has then right in the thick of the play-in race.
While it would be foolish to say that the Raptors had won four straight games and seven of their last eight thanks to a player of Dowtin’s caliber being put into the game over Malachi Flynn and Dalano Banton, what is indisputable is the fact that the team’s bench after the All-Star break looks much more robust and effective.
Dowtin recorded seven points and two assists in Toronto’s loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers, as he was one of the few players who actually bothered to show up for this contest. His tireless motor and playmaking energy stands out.
Dowtin went from a fun Summer League star to a legitimate weapon that Toronto has pushed aside two draft picks in order to promote. His quality play could end up with him potentially getting a proper NBA deal and becoming a part of the team’s postseason rotation.
‘Ready to get in the fight.’ Raptor Jeff Dowtin Jr. answers the bell with future in the balance https://t.co/ySMnxkaj6j
— Toronto Star (@TorontoStar) February 24, 2023
Jeff Dowtin Jr. is impressing the Toronto Raptors.
Dowtin has averaged 4.0 points and 1.3 assists per game in four February contests, but those numbers belie his true impact. While he doesn’t have Flynn’s ball-handling or Banton’s switchability ceiling, there’s something to be said for a steady hand that can distribute to all the appropriate players while still nailing jumpers when the need arises.
When Fred VanVleet returns to the Raptors after he’s done celebrating the birth of his third child, Gary Trent Jr. will likely be pushed to the bench alongside Dowtin, Precious Achiuwa, Chris Boucher, and (occasionally) Thad Young. While this isn’t comparable to the team that won Toronto a title, this is a unit teams around the league will respect to varying degrees.
The lack of guard depth on the team has not only pushed VanVleet and Pascal Siakam to their physical limits, but it has forced Toronto to try out Scottie Barnes as the main distributor when his talents are best suited elsewhere right now. Getting 15 solid minutes per night from Dowtin can make a huge difference in the long run.
Continue making Jeff Dowtin Jr a regular. He's been fantastic. Bench pieces are hard to come by, and if he's contributing like this, ride that damn wave.
— Chris Walder (@WalderSports) February 26, 2023
Dowtin’s play has been so impressive that Toronto needs to seriously consider waiving one of the players on the back end of their roster and giving Dowtin a proper NBA contract. Still just 25 years old, Dowtin’s speed with the ball in his hands, court vision, and pesky defensive effort.