During Raptors Media Day, head coach Darko Rajakovic praised Jamal Shead, highlighting his strong leadership and determination. Despite being only in his second year as an NBA player, Shead is already making a significant impact on Toronto, and is expected to serve a very crucial role as the lead guard off the bench.
Regarding Shead's admirable tenacity, grit, and leadership, reporters followed up on asking about these qualities during Raptors Training Camp this past week, hearing directly from the source himself.
One reporter would ask: "Jamal [Shead], a lot's been made about your leadership on this team, especially being a young player and you organized with the guys and some stuff. I was just wondering like, how I guess, it comes naturally with you, but how hard is it to do when you're, you know, just going into your second year? Some guys might feel like more, you know, bashful, more like shy about it, but you don't. So, where does that come from? And how comfortable are you in that role already?"
To which, Shead replied (YouTube link here):
Jamal Shead has built his foundation within Raptors' structure on respect
"I'm friends with all of these guys off the court. So, you know, that goes into a big part of it. And, you know, they respect me, I respect them, and honestly, it's just information. I'm a point guard. I give out information, they take it, they receive it, and then we move on from there. I don't think it's more of themJamal Shead, Sep 30, 2025
just following me, 'I'm just the best leader ever.' — I think it's just more of a respect thing."
Like Shead himself points out, he’s in a decent position to be a leader since he plays the point guard role. But at the end of the day, when you’re friends with everyone — even with that friendly bias — the most important thing is respect. It’s about earning and maintaining that respect, regardless of age or experience.
Shead even gave a shoutout to his former teammate, Davion Mitchell, highlighting what he learned from him during last year's training camp. While Shead is being praised for his leadership qualities, he still remains humble and eager to learn, soaking up knowledge from those ahead of him — circling back to that element and cycle of respect.
It's one thing to put your foot down and simply lead with an iron fist, but it's a different matter when that sense of reverence and respect is built on genuine camaraderie. Sure, it may not work in every life situation, but with how the Raptors operate, you can always appreciate the positive vibes and friendly atmosphere among the teammates.