Mr. Jamison Battle, take a bow, good sir. While his name may not be the most eye-catching in the 2024 draft talent pool, he is certainly having a standout season in a crucial category (and in Battle's case, his best skill): his exceptional three-point shooting is proving to be a cut above the rest.
While the 2024-25 season still has some run left in the tank before it's all said and done, Jamison Battle leads all rookies in three-point percentage, currently sitting at a solid 40.7 percent.
As an undrafted talent, Battle has made the most of his limited opportunities, having appeared in just 47 games and averaging only 15 minutes of playing time per game this season. Despite this, he still stands ahead of the next best players in that category—Dalton Knecht, Jaylen Wells, and Zaccharie Risacher—by a fair bit.
Jamison Battle stands out as the best shooter in the 2024 draft class
Battle started the year as a two-way player for the Toronto Raptors. However, as the season unfolded and the franchise made key adjustments to its roster, they rewarded the 23-year-old Minnesota native with a three-year standard contract promotion.
Early in the season, I was truly impressed by Battle's seamless ability to get plugged into games and provide an instant spark for the Raptors from beyond the arc. It sure seemed like he was building a compelling case for more playing time.
Although, I did have some reservations about his ability to maintain a consistent role in the rotation, particularly as the team became healthier over time. His two-way status made him more expendable, leaving him at risk of spending more time on the bench.
I'm not sure if he was necessarily relegated to the sidelines; rather, Battle had the opportunity to gain valuable experience with the Raptors' G League affiliate, the 905 squad. By the way, he's also leading in three-point shooting percentage there as well, at an impressive 52.4% clip.
The 2024 draft class may not be considered a star-studded group of talent, but there are certainly hidden gems within it. With Battle going undrafted as well, it’s clear that overlooked players should never be underestimated.
Moreover, Toronto's ability to make valuable selections in the 2024 NBA Draft—with talent they'll be molding and refining into potential difference-makers for the future—stands as a testament to the fact that draft classes are always full of surprises.
I’m not sure if Battle has firmly established his role with the Toronto Raptors just yet, but he certainly made a strong first impression. His exceptional three-point shooting ability could serve as a valuable X-factor in specific game plans for matchups.
The beauty of Battle’s game is that he doesn’t require countless reps or intricate plays to be effective; he embodies the catch-and-shoot sharpshooter archetype that every contending roster desperately needs. I hope he continues to make strides in his development, even as an older prospect.