The Toronto Raptors may have found their newest contributor.
In Memphis against the Grizzlies, Jontay Porter made his Raptors debut.
He played 7 minutes in the first-half and even though he didn’t score he showed a lot of good things.
He grabbed three rebounds, dished out an assist and did a good job defending against Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant:
Think you guys got a good look there at why I like Jontay Porter.
Really good activity level, hard screener, some nice passes, and hung in there defensively vs Ja/Jaren. Didn’t hit his shots but great start in re-debut.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) January 4, 2024
Toronto replaced their two-way contract of Ron Harper Jr., following his injury, with 6-10 big man Porter.
The Raptors traded O.G. Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks for RJ Barret, Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round pick (via Detroit). Precious Achiuwa ate up a lot minutes as the team’s backup big and with him gone the Raptors have a void there.
Chris Boucher isn’t big enough to be the backup center, Thad Young isn’t agile enough and Christian Koloko remains out with a respiratory issue. Therefore, Porter has a chance to seize the big opportunity that lies in front of him.
Porter is the younger brother of Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr.
He shined during his time in the G League averaging 18.8 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per contest in five outings with Raptors 905.
Porter has big opportunity with Raptors
Porter has good size and shot blocking ability. Under a player development coach like Darko Rajakovic the best may be yet to come for him.
Porter hopes to get a full NBA contract. The Raptors still have one free roster spot left to fill after including Flynn in the Anunoby deal.
If Porter continues to do a solid job in the minutes that he gets, he might just get that spot.
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