The Toronto Raptors made a decisive move regarding their backup guard situation at this year's trade deadline, choosing to let go of veteran point guard Davion Mitchell and fully commit to their 2024 second-round pick, Jamal Shead, for that role.
Initially, the team had alternated between both players due to injuries, which allowed them to gain valuable playing time. However, as the roster's depth improved and healthy starters returned, it became clear that the two-headed guard strategy had reached its limit, necessitating a change.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s clear that Shead faced challenges in adapting to his new role. For a while, it seemed like he was just blending in with the rest of the team, and I even questioned whether he might lose his spot in the rotation because of a lackluster adjustment period.
However, patience has once again shown its worth, as the Toronto Raptors are now enjoying the rewards of a focused, consistent, and effective Jamal Shead. His stellar play of late is leaving an undeniable impression for Darko Rajakovic to take note of; proving he deserves more playing time in the interim and for the future.
Considering his impressive introductory season, the recent Raptors broadcast on TSN showcased a video package highlighting Shead's statistics, which position him among the elite rookies and reserves. This effectively makes a compelling case for his inclusion on an NBA All-Rookie team—especially for those devout "Shead Heads" in Raptors Nation.
Has Jamal Shead done enough to warrant a spot on an NBA All-Rookie Team?
You can watch the TSN clip I’m referring to in the attached post below courtesy of @OmerOsman200 on X:
Jamal Shead should have a legitimate case to be on an All-NBA Rookie team.
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) March 23, 2025
An elite playmaker and defender amongst the rookies this season.
Put some respect on his name. 💪 pic.twitter.com/FWDBF9EccH
Now, those are certainly impressive metrics for Shead to hold, and he is a worthy contender in the NBA All-Rookie Team race. But is he a lock? To be completely honest, I'm still a little skeptical on that front.
On the season, Shead is currently averaging the following numbers: 6.5 points on a solid 42% field goal shooting and an acceptable 33% from three, along with 3.8 assists and 1.4 rebounds per game, in 18.5 minutes played per game.
From a die-hard Raptors fan's perspective, I could see the argument for a few of the team's fresh young faces making their way on an All-Rookie Team, and Shead definitely tops that list of names; but we need to think from the NBA voting perspective.
I think many coaches around the league are well aware of the new talent on Toronto's roster this year, but I feel there are just as many contenders looking to edge out players like Shead for an All-Rookie appearance. Plus, considering Toronto's lengthy track record of being overlooked in mainstream conversations doesn’t make me overly optimistic, but I’ll hold out hope.
Off the top of my head, the breakout talents in the 2025 NBA Draft class include Zach Edey, Stephon Castle, Jaylen Wells, Zaccharie Risacher, and Alex Sarr. If Shead makes an All-Rookie squad, it will likely be as a selection on the Second Team; however, a First Team selection isn't completely out of the question. However, he'd need to make a strong case against players like Isaiah Collier, Kel'el Ware, Yves Missi, Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, and others. That said, I believe Shead has surpassed some of these names by a wide margin.
The 2025 NBA Draft class was perceived as weak coming in, but several players had mid-season or late ascensions in the rookie race, making the All-Rookie conversations far more interesting than they might have been at the start of the year.
Keep in mind that Raptors rookie forward Jonathan Mogbo was an early favorite in that race, alongside players like Suns wing Ryan Dunn; however, those two have largely fallen out of the discussions. I don’t think Shead should hang his head in disappointment just yet. He could make the All-Rookie Team with the right coaches backing his talents, but then again, it’s a tough race.
We'll just have to wait for the verdict at the end of the season, and hopefully, the ever-determined hustler Jamal Shead gets the recognition he deserves with a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team.