One of the main reasons the Toronto Raptors were sunk in round one of the playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers was their lack of guard depth. With Immanuel Quickley missing the entire series, Toronto lacked more ball handlers outside of Jamal Shead. This is why when NBA insider Jake Fischer noted that Walter Clayton Jr. was a waiver candidate for the Memphis Grizzlies, it felt like a perfect player for the Raptors to target.
Unfortunately, that dream came crashing down Thursday when Fischer’s colleague and fellow insider Marc Stein noted that Fischer had passed along an update on Clayton Jr.’s future. In the most recent rendition of the Stein Line, Stein wrote: “In a follow-up to his Bleacher Report live stream Tuesday afternoon, Fischer passed along to me that Walter Clayton Jr. has a good chance to survive the roster purge that the Grizzlies must undertake before Opening Night Eve on Oct. 19.”
This is rather disappointing for the Raptors, as Clayton Jr. could’ve been a positive in many different ways for Toronto. The upside he could’ve provided as a developmental piece, floor spacer, and third-string point guard could’ve been a solution to several Raptors problems.
But with Clayton Jr. now expected to remain in Memphis, Toronto’s guard depth will remain a flaw.
The lack of depth should be a concern
In no way am I saying the Raptors lack talent at the guard spot. With Quickley expected to enter next season healthy, his production as a starter will be more than enough, especially when paired with Scottie Barnes and the arrival of Kawhi Leonard.
Backing him up will be Jamal Shead, who as of now hasn’t received an extension and will be playing with an added chip on his shoulder in a contract year. Shead was a great conductor for the second unit and, with improved efficiency, can solidify himself as one of the league's premier backup point guards.
Those two are a stable foundation, and two players both fans and the front office should trust and feel comfortable in leading Toronto’s offense.
But what if IQ gets hurt again or Shead’s physical style of play costs him a few games? Who steps up then? The options are less than ideal between 2025 undrafted free agent Chucky Hepburn and the No. 50 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Jaden Bradley.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Bradley and think there is definitely potential that can be unlocked by the Raptors' development system. But he’s not a big-time shot maker or anywhere close to the floor spacer this team could’ve asked someone like Clayton Jr. to be.
Injuries are part of the game and can happen at any time. So, for the Raptors’ sake, if something is to happen to one of their two guards, hopefully it doesn’t come right before the postseason like it did last year because that’s something that could sink any hopes of competing for a championship.
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