3 secret weapons to keep an eye on in Raptors preseason

Jan 14, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzles acting head coach Darko Rajakovic Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzles acting head coach Darko Rajakovic Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
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Toronto Raptors, Jeff Dowtin
CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 26: Jeff Dowtin Jr. #20 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

2. Jeff Dowtin

Dowtin’s time with the Raptors was a complete roller coaster. He went from getting minutes over former first-round pick Malachi Flynn and Masai Ujiri’s darling in Dalano Banton, yet he was not signed to an NBA contract ahead of the postseason. This made him ineligible for the playoffs.

The Raptors signed Dowtin to one of those non-guaranteed training camp contracts, but it seems like a formality that he will make it to the final roster. Dowtin may not be the most versatile scorer or impressive athlete, but he just has a knack for making plays.

Jeff Dowtin could make noise with the Toronto Raptors.

Dowtin has a nonstop motor, which makes him a defender that opponents need to worry about. His speed with the ball in his hands jumps off the screen, which has helped him score enough points while slicing to the rim and finishing from all sorts of unusual angles.

Dowtin has more competition this season, but Rajakovic is going to love someone who plays this hard all the time. The key that will help Dowtin unlock a long-term role with the Raptors is shooting, as his jumper could stand to take a step or two in the right direction.