The Toronto Raptors had a busy 2024 NBA Draft.
The bulk of their offseason moves came through the draft. They added four rookies in Ja’Kobe Walter at No. 19, Jonathan Mogbo at No. 31, Jamal Shead at No. 45 via the Sacramento Kings and Ulrich Chomche at No. 57 via the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report made a start, bench or G-League prediction for every 2024 first-round pick. Wasserman benched Walter and described his usage as a Three-and-D player:
“Gary Trent Jr.’s departure should create an opportunity for Ja’Kobe Walter.
He’s a tough shotmaker but inconsistent shooter, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Toronto Raptors went stretches playing Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick, RJ Barrett and Bruce Brown extended minutes, limiting the rookie.
Early on, Walter’s value to Toronto will be heavily tied to his jump shot and defensive tools. He’ll be a threat to knock down spot-up, movement and pull-up threes. And he does an admirable job attacking in straight lines and drawing fouls.
Without much creation in his ball-handling bag, and a three-point percentage that’s known to spike and dip, Walter’s minutes and impact figure to fluctuate greatly early on.”
Wasserman’s analysis of Walter is pretty spot on. Right now, Walter projects to be Gradey Dick’s backup.
Walter is going to have to hit shots if he wants to be an impactful player for the Raptors. He struggled with his consistency overall in Summer League, but had two nice outings to close out Toronto’s summer schedule.
Walter showed flashes where he was able to hit shots and play good defense. The Raptors are hoping that Walter can mold into a 3-And-D type player. If Walter can become a consistent shotmaker and three-point shooter, while showcasing strong defensive skills, then he will certainly get plenty of playing time this season.
Raptors to prepare for 2024-25 season in Spain
The Toronto Raptors are heading to Malaga, Spain in August.
This will allow Toronto to experience a change of scenery as they prepare for next season.
The Embassy Training Centre will host the Raptors as they have strong ties with the NBA. This location has been the headquarters of NBA Europe in the past few years with 35 players joining NBPA’s “The Sanctuary” project, per Eurohoops.
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