How 3 Raptors rookies could earn playing time as early as this season
Jonathan Mogbo
With only summer league play to judge, the Raptors' decision to select Jonathan Mogbo 31st overall over Duke stretch-big Kyle Filipowski is looking a bit murky. Mogbo is an undersized forward/center (standing at roughly 6-foot-7 inches tall) in the mold of a PJ Tucker, Draymond Green, Naz Reid, and/or Kenneth Faried. However, in compensation of his height rather lacking on the metrics, Jonathan Mogbo boasts a massive 7”2’ wingspan that can set him apart from his contemporaries.
Aside from this, Mogbo garnered praise on the collegiate level for his hyper-athletic style, possessing quick and mobile skills for a player of his size. At USF, Mogbo made himself known as a force around the basket, with impressive dunking ability and a knack for rebounding the ball. Likewise, Mogbo’s long wingspan helped make him a versatile defender, where he can work on the perimeter or in the paint. Ultimately, it was these qualities that enticed the Toronto Raptors front office to draft Mogbo with the 31st overall pick, as they’ve showed previous interest in players of such archetypes. Although, being one of the closest friend’s of franchise star Scottie Barnes might’ve also been just as influential in the selection.
Despite the positives of Mogbo’s game, there are just as many questions and concerns with his ability to translate his game to the next level. Those veteran names listed earlier are just the peak of what Jonathan Mogbo can become, but he’s got some big shoes to fill before he gets there. Lengthy wingspan aside, Mogbo can’t change his underwhelming size as a player whose ideal role is at the power forward or center position. And in the NBA, where Mogbo will have to figure out how to play against larger opposing bigs, the holes in his game can be exploited. As such, Mogbo will need to step up his 3-point shooting ability, where improvements in this area can help shape the 22-year-old’s play to suit a small forward position.
The Toronto Raptors are in a rebuilding phase, yet they also aim to compete in the playoffs as soon as possible. The bottom half of the Eastern Conference is quite open, making it plausible for the Raptors to secure a play-in spot. However, several factors must align for this to happen, and a standout rookie campaign from Jonathan Mogbo could significantly bolster their chances. Currently, Mogbo faces an uphill battle, as critics are mocking the Raptors' front office for passing on Filipowski. While it's unrealistic to expect a rookie to perform miracles overnight, the pressure is on Jonathan Mogbo to distinguish himself beyond his size and physical attributes.