To kick off the year, it appeared that the Toronto Raptors had discovered a true gem in ex-Houston product Jamal Shead, a player who embodies the hustle and infectious energy essential for a team's success.
He was being integrated into the lineup with promising spurts of success, demonstrating himself as a defensively-minded guard who exhibited a "big dog" mentality that belied his 6-foot frame—much like Jose Alvarado or, dare to say, Raptors public enemy Patrick Beverley.
Yet, the seemingly rocket-fueled trajectory that Shead was riding on would soon falter, as his role became less critical. The Raptors increasingly relied on Davion Mitchell, an older guard of similar stature, whose elite defense made him a vital rotation piece.
Reflecting on the Raptors' recent matchup against the Chicago Bulls on December 16, Jamal Shead's explosive performance in the fourth quarter stands as a testament to his ability to excel when given a fair opportunity to showcase his skills in a high-pressure situation.
Shead did not step onto the court for Toronto until he entered as a late substitution in the game's final moments. The game seemed to be tipping in the Bulls' favor when, out of nowhere, the Raptors orchestrated a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback, largely driven by Jamal Shead.
Jamal Shead was Toronto's saving grace against the Chicago Bulls
Shead played a total of 12 minutes in the fourth quarter, recording 10 points, four rebounds, and six assists, showcasing an impressive shooting performance of 4-for-4 from the field, which was capped off by a thrilling three-point buzzer beater at the end of the game.
While Toronto narrowly fell to Chicago, Shead's unexpected rise from the depths of adversity marked a brief period where he stood out as the team's most impactful player. Jamal Shead recorded a plus/minus of +10 and an astonishing 31.7 in box plus/minus on the advanced stat sheet.
Jamal Shead scored or assisted on 25 of the Raptors' 37 points in the 4th tonight.
— Keerthika Uthayakumar (@keerthikau) December 17, 2024
He didn't sub into the game until the start of the 4th.
Then you turn your attention to Davion Mitchell, and the narrative shifts entirely. Mitchell played just over 16 minutes, scoring three points and providing four assists, but he also recorded three turnovers and finished with a -6 plus/minus for the Toronto Raptors.
Although he made a notable hustle block against Ayo Dosunmu, it’s becoming increasingly frustrating to watch Toronto rely solely on his defense while the rest of his game leaves a lot be desired.
Here’s the thing about Davion Mitchell: his defensive prowess is indisputable. Defense is synonymous with Davion Mitchell; they go hand-in-hand. While the claim that he is "the best defender in the league" is certainly debatable, it’s undeniable that he has earned his playing time based on this skill alone.
Mitchell is averaging nearly 27 minutes per night, largely due to the defensive spark he brings to the Toronto Raptors. Nonetheless, there’s no denying that he struggles with offensive efficiency, averaging less than 40% in field goal shooting and a mere 29.3% from three-point range.
How long can the Raptors stick with this Davion Mitchell experiment?
Questions also linger about Mitchell's long-term fit in Toronto and whether he will sign an extension to return next season. While he is undoubtedly a stellar defender, it may be wiser to focus on developing rookies like Jamal Shead instead, possibly marking yet another remarkable internal development story for the Raptors.
One can appreciate the Raptors' commitment to maximizing Mitchell's game, yet it's worth recalling last year's situation with Dennis Schroder. He played a crucial role in the Raptors' early campaign but was eventually traded as the team shifted gears. It may be in Toronto's best interest to send Mitchell to a winning situation while further utilizing Jamal Shead.
While Shead may not be an exact replica of Mitchell, he performs at a remarkably similar level. Instances like Shead's breakout game against Chicago further bolster the argument for giving him more playing time than Davion Mitchell. The decision now rests with the Raptors' staff on whether to implement this critical change or continue with the current approach.