The Toronto Raptors haven’t had the best start to their season, with injuries have crippled the Raptors. They’re currently on a seven-game losing streak and are 2-12 on the season. Among all the losses, there have been a few bright spots, including the production of the Raptors rookies. Here’s what we learned about the Raptors rookies after the first 14 games.
Toronto Raptors Rookies Check-In Part 2
Ulrich Chomche
After briefly appearing in the first game of the season, Ulrich Chomche was assigned to the Raptors’ G League team. At just 18 years old, Chomche is the youngest player in the NBA, and his youth shows. He is incredibly raw offensively, lacking a go-to move out of the post or jump shot. However, he is supremely athletic and knows how to use it on both ends as a rim runner and shot blocker. Thanks to that athleticism, Chomche is averaging 2.3 blocks and 5.3 rebounds in just 17.4 minutes in the G League. He needs to work on his touch around the basket, as he averages just 4.7 points on 42.9% shooting, with all of these looks coming at the rim. Chomche will probably spend the whole season in the G League, where he can get consistent touches on the offensive end and work on his game.
Jamison Battle
When discussing surprises for the Raptors season, Jamison Battle is close to the top of the list. After working his way from a training camp invite to a two-way contract, Battle has been a crucial part of Toronto’s depleted rotation. Thanks to his size at 6’7 and his shooting ability, Battle has seen consistent minutes playing in 13 of the first 14 games. Outside of his shooting, Battle does a good job fighting for rebounds and is a low-mistake player. He currently shoots 39% on 3.2 threes per game and is one of three Raptors shooting better than 37% from deep. Battle is a smart player who knows his role is to shoot and play hard. When the team is fully healthy, it will be hard for him to find minutes, but he has earned them.
Jamal Shead
With Immanuel Quickley out for at least a few more games, Jamal Shead will continue getting big minutes as the backup point guard. At times, Shead’s decision-making is lacking, and he throws wild and unforced turnovers, but overall, he has shown good playmaking chops. Shead is second among all rookies in assists per game, with 3.4 dimes a night while only playing 15.8 minutes a night. Defensively, Shead has the most significant impact, applying intense ball pressure whenever he steps on the court. Despite his size, Shead has the strength not to get bulled in the post, which helps him on switches. Shead struggles the most in scoring, shooting just 37.3% overall and a fridged 20.8% from deep. Shead can get himself open using his speed, driving hard to the rim, but isn’t finishing well at the rack. He will need to add a semi-reliable outside shot soon.
Jonathan Mogbo
Much like Shead, Jonathan Mogbo makes an impact defensively. At 6’6 with a 7’2 wing span, Mogbo has the size to guard multiple positions and can lock nearly anyone up. Mogbo is holding his matchups to -7.9% field goal percentage and has a defensive field goal percentage of 38.2%. On the offensive side, Mogbo struggles to score the ball, shooting 45.8% from the field and averaging just 4.6 points. He doesn’t always seem confident in scoring the ball and often looks to pass on the perimeter instead of trying to drive to the rack.
However, when he does look to score, Mogbo does an excellent job of drawing fouls, averaging 2.1 FTA. He is also very active on the offensive end, glass-grabbing 2.2 OREB a game. Mogbo has shown good playmaking and ball-handling skills. He can handle the ball in transition and find cutters in the halfcourt, averaging 1.6 assists.
Ja’Kobe Walter
Ja’Kobe Walter has been hurt for most of the season. He missed the first five games with a shoulder injury, which he reinjured shortly after making his debut. Walter needs to add weight and muscle to play in the NBA. He just looked too small in his short stints, which is reflected in his stats. Walter is averaging 2.5 points on 18.8% shooting overall and 16.7% from deep. He has only played four games and missed the preseason reps due to his injury, but as of now, Walter has a long way to go before he can be impactful in the NBA.
