How 3 Raptors rookies could earn playing time as early as this season

Jamal Shead

With the Raptors' 45th overall pick from Sacramento, the front office selected Jamal Shead, a senior 6-foot-1 guard from Houston. Shead is a hard-nosed, gritty undersized guard who impressed scouts with his defensive tenacity and playmaking ability. His status as the recent recipient of the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award highlights his defensive skills. He shares this honor with newly-acquired Raptor Davion Mitchell, who won the award during the 2020-21 collegiate season while playing for the Baylor Bears.

While Jamal Shead may not possess great size or offensive upside, he compensates with his toughness and commitment to playing at a high level. He has demonstrated that he is a winning player, exhibiting a strong mental attitude, humility, and maturity — qualities that will greatly benefit the up-and-coming Raptors roster filled with other like-minded young talents.

When considering a player of Shead’s caliber, it's hard not to think of similar guards like Jevon Carter, Patrick Beverley, and Jose Alvarado. These players, all sharing comparable physiques, have earned reputations as tenacious defenders. Speaking of Patrick Beverley, who drew attention last season for criticizing Toronto's roster for a perceived lack of "dogs," it appears the Raptors may have found their own version of Pat Bev to silence the critics. While we shouldn't place undue pressure on Jamal Shead, Toronto has a history of developing smaller, overlooked guards, as seen with Fred VanVleet, reaching their full potential. While it may be unrealistic to expect a similar trajectory from Shead, it certainly remains a possibility.

The Raptors desperately need two-way support, and Jamal Shead fits that archetype perfectly. It's challenging to rely solely on Scottie Barnes' defensive tenacity, especially since he already has the heavy responsibility of being the franchise player. Although Shead stands just over six feet tall, his sturdier frame gives him an unexpectedly imposing presence on the court. He could quickly become a fan favorite in Toronto, reminiscent of a Cinderella story — an accomplished college player overlooked due to his size.