The Toronto Raptors have a shooting problem. Okay, maybe that’s a little harsh; maybe weakness is the better word. Either way, the Raptors do have their fair share of strengths as they head into 2026-27, but shooting isn’t one of them.
While they did add a true superstar this offseason (pending) in Kawhi Leonard, they didn’t address their need for perimeter scoring. For a team that made the fifth-fewest threes in the league last season, they are going to need someone to step up and be a sniper from outside, and Jamison Battle could be just that.
The 25-year-old wing is entering his third season in the NBA and will likely be tasked with his most important role yet. When looking at the Raptors' depth chart, the first three players off the bench are obviously Collin Murray-Boyles, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Jamal Shead.
That fourth spot or ninth-man role is up for grabs, and Battle's ability to stretch the floor gives him a massive edge over Kyle Anderson and rookie Allen Graves. Battle being a flamethrower off the bench could raise Toronto’s ceiling and give them the marginal boost they need from beyond the arc.
Battle has been the sniper the Raptors have been searching for
Battle appeared in 62 games for Toronto last season, but only played an average of 8.5 minutes per game. For some, that may make his 41.2 percent three-point percentage look fraudulent, but for those who follow this team religiously, they’ve seen how lethal Battle can be in extended minutes.
In the sixth game of last season, the Raptors needed a spark against Cleveland in the second half, and Battle was exactly that. He came in, played 15 minutes, finished a perfect 7-of-7 from the field, recorded 20 points, and went 6-of-6 from three-point land, which propelled the Raps to a 112-101 win. He nearly did the same thing in Game 3 of the Raptors' playoff series against the Cavaliers, having a massive second half again with 14 points on perfect shooting.
His ability to catch fire like he’s a character from NBA Jam is rare and something that could help swing games for Toronto next season.
If Battle gets around 15 minutes a night from head coach Darko Rajakovic, he could be a true X-factor off the bench. Whether it’s catching and shooting or pulling up off the dribble, his stroke always remains pure. Throwing him out there and giving him the green light to let five threes fly could help spread the floor and bolster Toronto’s attack from three-point land.
Another positive about Jamison Battle is that, even though he isn’t an elite athlete or defender, he isn’t a liability. At 6-foot-7, he has the size and length to be a strong off-ball defender and hold his own against players of similar size.
If the Raptors are going to be the best version of themselves next season, Jamison Battle’s ability to space the floor and catch fire deep is bound to play a massive role in that success.
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