3 Raptors players in line for more playing time after Bruce Brown's surgery

No. 3: Davion Mitchell

It's possible that the injury to Bruce Brown leads to minutes early in the season for rookies Ja'Kobe Walter or Jonathan Mogbo, or perhaps even the little-used D.J. Carton. 

If the Raptors want to replace Brown’s defensive impact and ball-handling, however, it's more likely that they look to the newly-acquired Davion Mitchell. 

The former Sacramento Kings guard nicknamed “Off-Night” for his lockdown defense, Mitchell's normal role is not perfectly clear. Is he merely the backup point guard to Immanuel Quickley? Are the two going to share the court at times? Or could rookie Jamal Shead beat Mitchell out in training camp?

Mitchell is on the Raptors and not the Kings because he couldn't earn a long-term role with Sacramento and was replaced, first in the rotation by 3-and-D wing Keon Ellis and then in the draft this June by Devin Carter. 

Now Mitchell gets a second chance in Toronto, and Brown’s injury may open up opportunities to play next to Quickley and prove his versatility. He needs to hit shots and defend his butt off to fend off Shead and earn the largest role moving further. 

Bruce Brown will hopefully not be out for very long, but while he is on the shelf a number of players will have a chance to prove their worth to the team.