How 3 Raptors rookies could earn playing time as early as this season
The Toronto Raptors have some new faces joining the team this upcoming season. With their own draft picks in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Raptors used the 19th overall selection on Ja’Kobe Walter out of Baylor, and the 31st overall selection on Jonathan Mogbo out of USF.
Toronto was not satisfied with just two draft picks, as their front office worked out some extra deals to secure two additional draft picks. In a shocking trade that dealt underwhelming forward Jaden McDaniels to Sacramento, the Raptors acquired a return package including defensive-minded guard Davion Mitchell, former EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov, and the 45th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, where they selected Houston Cougars product Jamal Shead. Toronto secured another trade which added the 57th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to their arsenal, where they chose NBA Academy Africa prospect Ulrich Chomche.
Can the rookies help the Raptors this year?
Toronto is going to do the best of their efforts to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference, with hopes of a potential playoff push in sight once again. With blossoming young players in Scottie Barnes, the newly-extended Immanuel Quickley, and hometown hero RJ Barrett, it makes sense to assume Toronto can find their way back to the limelight barring any major injuries to their stars. In addition to this young core are supporting pieces like Kelly Olynyk, Jakob Poeltl, Gradey Dick, and veteran Bruce Brown. But with a new direction and new season, these newly christened Raptors players in Ja’Kobe Walter, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead, and even Ulrich Chomche (albeit a two-way player), could carve out consistent minutes in the rotation if they play their cards right.
As rookies, these young guns have a lot to prove to quickly assert themselves as difference-makers for the team so early into their careers. But the Raptors front office clearly saw intriguing potential in these prospects to warrant a draft pick. Each player possesses a unique skill set that can benefit the Toronto Raptors squad, as soon as next season. How exactly do the 3 Raptors rookies earn those quality minutes? Here’s how: