The Toronto Raptors selected Jonathan Mogbo with the No. 31 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
The 6-foot-9 forward is a Swiss Army knife type player, who can do many things on the court.
The Raptors want to use Mogbo as a versatile forward who can also play as a small-ball center. Mogbo has a 7-foot-2 wingspan and is 225-pounds entering this season so he has the frame. His defense is something Toronto will lean on out of the gate.
“The first thing is that he’s an amazing athlete and he can do a really good job defensively and to be disruptive and he has a very good feel when to go and block shots,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic told reporters.
Mogbo used his size and speed to power his way to the rim in college, but it’s going to be an adjustment for him coming into the NBA where he won’t be able to bully his way to the paint.
“When he’s driving the ball, he’s got to figure out that size is different than when he was back in college and how he can improve his finishing. What are his spots on the court where he can improve? And for him also is he’s getting a lot of reps and getting a lot of shots,” Rajakovic said.
An area where Rajakovic is impressed with Mogbo is his ability to communicate with his teammates. As a rookie, that is something that will make his transition to the NBA easier.
“He’s just trying to figure it out how to play off of his teammates. For a rookie, he actually does a really good job communicating with everybody else. Is that asking a question or saying what he sees on the court? So I’m really encouraged with those early signs with him,” he said.
Mogbo will continue to get reps during the Raptors preseason. He got the start in Toronto’s first preseason game against the Washington Wizards and put up 2 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds in 20 minutes of action.
Immanuel Quickley will not play in Raptors second preseason game
Someone who will not play in the Toronto Raptors second preseason game is Immanuel Quickley.
The Raptors lead guard has been ruled out as he continues to deal with a left thumb strain.
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