The Toronto Raptors drafted Ja’Kobe Walter (No. 19), Jonathan Mogbo (No. 31), Jamal Shead (No. 45 via the Sacramento Kings) and Ulrich Chomche (No. 57 via the Minnesota Timberwolves) at the 2024 NBA Draft.
All four rookies were in action for the Raptors at Las Vegas Summer League. Although, Mogbo did suffer a back contusion in the Raptors second game and did not play for the rest of Summer League.
However, Walter, Shead and Chomche got plenty of minutes as Toronto finished with a 2-3 Summer League record.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report recently graded every team’s top rookies at Summer League and he gave Toronto a D+ grade:
“The Toronto Raptors have a handful of 2024 draftees in action, including Jonathan Mogbo (picked 31st), Jamal Shead (45th) and Ulrich Chomche (57th), all of whom are averaging less than six points per game.
And their first-round pick, Ja’Kobe Walter, though he’s averaging double-figures, is shooting just 32.4 percent from the field and struggling to provide any ancillary contributions.
With the Raptors pivoting to a rebuild around Scottie Barnes, it could’ve used somebody popping as a three-point shooter in Vegas, and no one in this rookie class did that for them.”
Walter did struggle with his consistency throughout Summer League but did put together two nice outings to close things out. Meanwhile, Shead played solid defense and displayed some nice playmaking chops as well. Although Chomche didn’t pop out with his stats, the defensive upside he showcased was impressive. Chomche was a shot blocking machine showing that he isn’t entirely raw. Mogbo was hurt, so it’s unfair to judge his short Summer League stint.
The three-point shooting wasn’t on display, but the Raptors rookies still showcased a lot of positives and upside. A D+ grade seems harsh here.
Bleacher Report makes prediction for JaKobe Walter’s first season with Raptors
Bleacher Report had another bit on the Raptors. They predicted JaKobe Walter’s first season with the team.
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