With only 27 games remaining after the break in the 2025-26 regular season, this stretch will be make-or-break for the Toronto Raptors. It will largely be seen as the critical period leading up to a potential playoff run. I'd argue that everyone on the Raptors roster should use the All-Star break as a chance to elevate their game.
But after examining the roster, I've come to the conclusion that these players likely have the most to prove after the break: Trayce Jackson-Davis, Jamal Shead, and Gradey Dick.
The pressure is on for these Raptors players after the All-Star break
Trayce Jackson-Davis was the Raptors’ most notable acquisition (besides Chris Paul) during a relatively quiet trade deadline. On a team-friendly deal and having lost some of his luster with the Warriors, TJD provides the Raptors with valuable frontcourt depth, addressing their recent size concerns. He had a strong debut on February 8 against the Pacers, recording a 10 and 10 double-double in just over 15 minutes. However, he saw limited action in Toronto's last game against the Pistons, seeing just over nine minutes of run.
With Jakob Poeltl back, TJD’s opportunity may have diminished, though Poeltl’s form is still uncertain. Darko Rajakovic will likely be cautious with Poeltl’s minutes. While TJD is probably the third-string option behind Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Murray-Boyles, I still believe he’s well-suited for certain matchups and situations, as I noted in my initial thoughts when he joined the Raptors. I don’t see him as a complete DNP candidate moving forward, and if he encounters more playing time in the second half, he’ll need to capitalize on it, just as he did in his debut.
Moving on to Jamal Shead. Throughout most of the 2025-26 season, despite ongoing shooting struggles, he's largely been a darling of the Raptors' "Bench Mob 2.0" of sorts. However,February hasn't been kind to him: in the five-game sample to date, he's shot just 29.2% from the field and 23.1% from three, while also averaging 2.2 turnovers per game.
Normally, Shead's assist-to-turnover ratio has been excellent, but he's recently hit a rough patch. My colleague Daniel O'Connor even suggested that the NBA might have started to figure out how to stifle Jamal Shead.
I've been aware of Shead's shooting struggles all year, as it's been the main blemish on his Raptors performance. However, recently his shot hasn't been passable enough to keep him on the court, and his decision-making and court awareness have also dipped. Toronto's guard depth is limited outside of Quickley and Shead, so it's unlikely he'll be completely out of the rotation.
While his shooting issues have often been overlooked, the recent decline in decision-making and impact could put his spot at risk if he's not contributing to team wins. That said, I still believe he's capable of turning things around.
And finally, Gradey Dick. While it may seem like I've had a bone to pick with him all year, I believe my critiques have been justified. Keep in mind, Dick was Toronto's lottery pick just a few years ago in a class that has since produced a gem like Keyonte George not long after him, who’s become an important part of the Jazz’s emerging core. Meanwhile, Dick hasn't quite matched Keyonte George's level.
He's primarily praised for bringing hustle and energy when he's on the floor, but his shooting struggles — similar to Jamal Shead — remain a concern. Defensively, he's not the sturdiest, and his rebounding and playmaking are average or below. His top skill is shooting, but in February, it's dipped again. After a promising January at 34.0% from three — still not great for his caliber — it’s now down to 28.6%, though we've only played five games so far.
Despite these critiques, Raptors fans remember when Gradey Dick looked promising early last season, even a potential MIP candidate. But since then, his development has stalled, and he's now more or less just another guy getting around 15 minutes off the bench.
I honestly can't say how I see Dick's future with the team. To me, this second-half stretch is his last chance to prove he's still valuable. If he doesn't, I think the Raptors would be better off cutting their losses, moving on, and trading him for someone who can make a bigger impact. But with about two months remaining, we'll see if the All-Star break was the turning point Dick needed, as it should be for Shead and TJD also.