The Raptors’ first game of the year last night against Chicago was enjoyable for a few reasons. Obviously, a 43-point blowout is going to lift your spirits, but the insights we got from it made for a great start to the season, too. Immanuel Quickley had himself a night, Scottie Barnes impressed, and while Kawhi Leonard’s return was marred a bit by shooting woes, he still left a dominant impact.
Ahead of the new season, I had an idea of the rotation we might see from Coach Darko. During the preseason, I focused on this likely 10-man group: the starters, plus the usual cast of Jamal Shead, Ja’Kobe Walter, Jamison Battle, and Collin Murray-Boyles, with Kyle Anderson rounding it out.
I wasn’t exactly counting rookie Allen Graves out, but I thought the Raptors might ease him in or give him an extended stretch in the G League before making him part of the core group. That could still happen, but last night Graves was in the rotation before Anderson saw the floor — and for the Raptors, that proved to be a smart decision.
Graves played nearly 20 minutes in his official NBA debut, a sizable sample for a first game, and I was impressed by his versatility and motor. His five points and five rebounds might look modest at first glance, but he also had three blocks and a steal. Not to mention, four of his five boards were offensive rebounds, which is a very promising sign.
Another reserve who impressed me was Jamison Battle. Toronto’s sneaky sniper was already a name to watch for more opportunities this season, thanks to the spark he can provide from beyond the arc. But even with shooting as his calling card, I liked seeing him try to bring more to the game. He showed great hustle, and clearly wanted to make an impact beyond his shot. Battle grabbed five rebounds, had a steal, and added eight points on 3-for-4 shooting (including a perfect 2-for-2 from three) in just 11 minutes.
Graves and Battle bring contrasting strengths to the Raptors’ bench
That brings me to my encouraging takeaway from these two players in the Raptors’ second unit. Battle showed some new chops, which is promising, but I like the balance Toronto could have if Graves and Battle share key bench minutes this season. Graves brings it on defense and looks like another “Magneto” for Toronto, while Battle can knock down the spark threes the team needs. Graves should settle in with more reps and chances to find his shot, giving Battle room to shoulder the shooting load as the rookie develops.
That’s a big win for a bench that already looks like it has its other roles sorted out: Jamal Shead as a steady floor general, a rising Ja’Kobe Walter, and Collin Murray-Boyles as a starter-lite who can still be a burly option at the four or five. It always helps to find new ways to strengthen the second unit, and with Alijah Martin, Kyle Anderson, and Trayce Jackson-Davis in the mix, too — I absolutely love what Toronto has to work with, should their depth be tested early.
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