The Toronto Raptors had a busy opening week in the association, playing three games in five days. However, the injury bug has already hammered the team, as they are missing five of their top 10 rotation players. While RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley seem close to returning to action, the Raptors have taken advantage of their absences by using those minutes to develop the rookies on the roster. So, after three games, let’s check how the Raptors rookies are performing.
Raptors Rookie Report Week 1
Second-Round Steal Jamal Shead
With Quickley leaving with an injury in the first half of the opener, the team has had to rely much more on the 45th overall pick, Jamal Shead. Shead has been tasked with being the lead guard off the bench. Through three games, he has done an excellent job. What stands out the most about Shead is how good he already is defensively. In their game against the 76ers, Shead held Tyrese Maxey to just four points on 2/5 shooting and 0/2 shooting from deep when matched up. Switching ends to his offense, Shead has been better than expected. His playmaking/passing has been his best skill so far, leading all rookies in assists through three games. Shead does a good job of finding his roll man out of the pick-and-roll, both with bounce passes and over-the-top throws.
He does need to clean up his turnovers, with 10 through three games, but that will come with time and reps with the squad. Shead has shot the ball well from deep through three games, connecting on 37.5% of his threes. Three games doesn’t show he is a good shooter, but after shooting 15.4% in the preseason, it’s a good sign.
Two-Way Contract Standout Jamison Battle
After going undrafted, Jamison Battle was signed to the Raptors Summer League roster. From there, with his impressive shooting ability and hard work, Battle earned himself a two-way contract for the season. Through three games, Battle has shown why he made the final cut for the Raptors roster. Battle provides much-needed three-point shooting for Toronto, lacing 45.5% of his threes while taking 3.7 per game. He has also been active on the glass, helping close out Toronto’s defensive possessions. Battle looks like a steal for a guy on a two-way and will continue to see playing time as the team waits to get fully healthy.
Jonathan Mogbo Finding His Role
Jonathan Mogbo is an intriguing player, being 6-foot-7 but lacking a jump shot. However, even with this hole in his game, Mogbo has stuffed the stat sheet through three games. Defensively is where Mogbo has made the most significant impact by being able to switch from one to four. He has exceptionally active hands on the ball, in the passing lanes, and when contesting shots. Mogbo is averaging 1.7 steals and one block through three games. His foot speed is very impressive, staying step-to-step with Anthony Edwards. Mogbo has a ways to go as a scorer, lacking any jump shot or go-to-move. He has struggled to finish anywhere on the court, shooting 40% from the field.
He has made eight of his nine free-throw attempts, which bodes well for his future as a jump shooter. His best offensive skill is his playmaking, finding cutters in the half-court and transition. Mogbo has also been very active on the offensive glass, getting two offensive rebounds per game.
Ulrich Chomche
As the 57th pick in the draft, Ulrich Chomche was going to see little run in his rookie season. The 18-year-old has been on the court for just five minutes through three games. There isn’t much to say. Chomche will spend most of his rookie season with the 905 Raptors in the G League, working on and developing his game for next season. However, what stood out from his short stint was how mobile and agile he is for a guy his size.
Ja’Kobe Walter
After injuring his shoulder in training camp, Ja’Kobe Walter has missed preseason and the first three games of the regular season. The Raptors have listed Walter as out for their game on Monday against the Nuggets, so there is nothing to report for the Raptors first-round rookie yet.
