While his name may not top the NBA Rookie of the Year rankings, there is no denying that Jonathan Mogbo—the 31st overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft—has swiftly established a meaningful role within the Toronto Raptors' emerging youth-filled hierarchy.
Second-round picks may not carry the same level of pressure as their first-round counterparts, but the expectation remains for talented players to step out of the shadows and make a name for themselves. Take Jalen Brunson and Nikola Jokic, for instance—two second-round selections who have evolved into superstars.
Let’s not rush to conclusions. While no one anticipates Jonathan Mogbo to ever become a superstar, let’s not be mistaken—one doesn’t need to be a superstar to make a significant impact on an NBA franchise.
And that's where Mogbo's calling card comes into play.
The burly forward has crafted an identity that encompasses all aspects of the game, whether it's hustling for boards, effectively dishing the rock, or occasionally finding his shot at the rim and from beyond the arc.
Jonathan Mogbo exhibits remarkable potential for the Raptors
Hmmm... doesn’t that sound like a certain someone we've come to know? Cough cough... Raptors star Scottie Barnes, perhaps? It certainly makes sense, considering that Mogbo and Barnes have been childhood friends for a long time.
We've previously discussed Jonathan Mogbo's significant impact as an outlier in a weak 2024 draft class at the start of the season. Nearly two months later, he continues to demonstrate his consistency as a valuable contributor for Toronto, night after night.
One notable highlight is Mogbo's three-point shooting percentage, which stands at an impressive 44.4% over his last ten games.
As a testament to Mogbo's progress in his quest to become a better shooter, he attempted only two three-pointers during his four years in college. As Mogbo makes the transition to the NBA, it's evident that he has recognized the importance of a versatile forward who, rather than excelling at a single skill, can contribute across the board. He has been refining the flexibility of his game accordingly.
Take note that lights-out shooting isn’t exactly Mogbo’s NBA forte still; he generally attempts around one to two three-pointers per game. However, his efficiency remains promising. If Mogbo can enhance this aspect of his game, his impact will only grow as his time with the Raptors progresses.
Furthermore, Mogbo continues to maintain an impressive VORP (Value Over Replacement Player) of 0.2, which ties him for second in his draft class, along with fellow Raptors rookie Jamison Battle and Grizzlies big man Zach Edey.
The significance of achieving a net-positive VORP status is noteworthy, especially considering that many players in the 2024 NBA class have largely negative on-court impacts to date. Currently, only seven rookies have attained this positive distinction.
On December 5, in a brief showcase of what Jonathan Mogbo can offer in an expanded role, he primarily took on the backup big man responsibilities for the Raptors after Jakob Poeltl was sidelined by an illness.
Mogbo recorded 17 points, one assist, one rebound, a steal, and a block in just over 22 minutes of play. His plus/minus of -28, though unfortunate, does not accurately reflect his ability to influence the game, especially given that the Raptors were completely overpowered by a dominant Thunder squad.
Overall, Mogbo's dedication to improving various aspects of his game, his apparent alignment with the Raptors' hustle culture, and his do-it-all skill set make him an obvious candidate for the Toronto staff to incorporate into the rotation, despite his rookie status.
No rookie season is ever flawless, but Jonathan Mogbo has already demonstrated tremendous promise in this early stage, leaving Raptors fans eager for his potential breakout.
Don't underestimate Jonathan Mogbo as a core component of the Raptors' future plans; he is here to stay.