The Toronto Raptors embarked on their 2024 NBA Draft journey with the intention of revitalizing their roster and setting the stage for a new chapter. The selections they made, particularly with their rookie class, showcase a blend of promise and potential. While it's early in the season, evaluating their progress offers a glimpse of the future and a chance to assess how well they fit into the Raptors' evolving strategy.
Ja'Kobe Walter: B
The Raptors were fortunate to land a lottery-worthy prospect when they selected standout Ja'Kobe Walter from the Baylor Bears with the 19th overall pick.
Averaging 7.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, Walter’s early numbers reveal a player still adjusting to the pace of the NBA. His shooting percentages—36% from the field and a challenging 22% from three—indicate inconsistency, much like Gradey Dick experienced during his rookie season.
However, with more playing time as the season progresses, there's reason to believe Walter could enhance his offensive production and efficiency, earning him a solid B grade for now.
Jonathan Mogbo: A
Selected 31st overall, Jonathan Mogbo has swiftly established himself as a versatile forward and a key contributor to the Toronto Raptors.
In the early weeks of the 2024-25 season, Mogbo distinguished himself as an outlier, excelling in multiple areas while the 2024 rookie class grappled with establishing their presence in the league. As the season progressed, however, the struggling lottery picks began to find their footing, gaining momentum, while Mogbo has consistently sustained his impressive rookie run.
With averages of 5.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, along with an efficient 46% shooting from the field, Mogbo exemplifies the Raptors' desire for multifaceted players. His 31% shooting from beyond the arc remains a work-in-progress, yet his capability as a small-ball center adds significant value to the roster.
Given his contributions and potential for further development, an A grade reflects not just current performance but also the promise he brings to the team's future.
Jamal Shead: B-
As the 45th overall pick, Jamal Shead began the season on a high note, but has faced challenges, averaging 4.8 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.
His shooting struggles—39% from the field and 32% from three—have been quite evident, especially as his role has diminished with the presence of Davion Mitchell on the roster. However, Shead recently turned heads with a stellar fourth-quarter performance against the Chicago Bulls, sparking renewed conversations about giving him more playing time instead of continuing to allocate significant minutes to a struggling Davion Mitchell.
Despite a challenging rookie season, Shead displayed flashes of brilliance early on, suggesting there is hope for recovery and improvement. Consequently, a B- grade reflects his potential while also acknowledging the setbacks he needs to overcome to regain his standing.
Ulrich Chomche: N/A
Selected as the 57th overall pick, Ulrich Chomche has yet to make his debut for the Raptors this season, resulting in an N/A grade.
However, his performance in the G League for Raptors 905 has been nothing short of impressive, suggesting he’s honing his skills and preparing for a future opportunity with the parent club. The Raptors clearly see him as a project player with considerable upside, and if Chomche continues to dominate in the G League, there’s strong potential for a call-up later in the season.
Jamison Battle: A
Finding success as an undrafted rookie can be a daunting task, yet Jamison Battle has risen to the occasion, averaging 5.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.9 assists with a remarkable 48% shooting from the field.
His three-point shooting stands out at an impressive 43%, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor—a valuable asset in today's NBA.
The fact that he's been integrated into the Raptors' rotation with such efficiency earns him an A grade. Battle's journey illustrates the potential rewards of identifying and nurturing talent outside the conventional draft process.
Conclusion
The Toronto Raptors have laid the foundation for a promising future with their 2024 draft class, which presents a mix of talent and potential.
Each rookie, from first-round pick Ja'Kobe Walter to undrafted gem Jamison Battle, brings unique attributes to the table, sparking discussions about their current roles in the rotation as well as their long-term potential within the franchise.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on these young players as they evolve, adapt to the challenges of the NBA, and strive to make their mark on the Raptors' season.
The grades assigned not only capture their current performance but also suggest the potential for growth that could significantly impact the team's dynamics in the future.