Impressions from the Toronto Raptors’ first preseason game
The Toronto Raptors played their first preseason game versus the Washington Wizards in Montreal on Sunday.
Calling all SheadHeads!
No, but seriously — we’re back! Preseason edition.
The Toronto Raptors played their annual NBA Canada series game Sunday in Montreal, welcoming the Washington Wizards to town. While Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Bruce Brown sat out for various reasons, that allowed us to get a look at some of the newer players on the rosters.
While a blowout preseason win against the Wizards isn’t really something to brag about, there were many takeaways from this first appearance.
Jamal Shead: Instant Favourite
The rookie guard, sporting famous number 23 as a Toronto Raptor, gave fans something to be excited about. The smaller guard immediately impressed as a defensive menace in his first minutes of NBA preseason action. In a short burst, he collected two steals, made some good reads, and drew two offensive fouls.
Shead ended the night with 10 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Not bad for his first showing, pretty great actually. He shot 4-6 from the field, but his defence of course is what stood out.
His admirers immediately coined themselves as the “SheadHeads.” Based on his energy, effort, enthusiasm, and demeanour, Shead seems like someone who could develop really well this year. He seems eager to learn, and Darko has a track record of instilling confidence in these young guys. He could also end up being a fan favourite.
RJ Barrett: Solid as expected
Barrett only played the first half of this preseason game before leaving due to a shoulder contusion. Hopefully nothing serious, as he basically just got caught in a JV screen and hit it the wrong way.
Still, he lead the team with 17 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists. He shot 3-4 from three point range, an area that blossomed for him after being traded to the team last season. His efficiency still seems to be in top shape as well, as he scored 7-10 from the field. He played a lot in order to lead this team with both Barnes and Quickley sitting.
We’ll have to see if his shoulder keeps him out of their next game, but the team could opt to rest him and instead play Scottie or IQ.
It looks... Rough?
I think that’s to be expected in preseason, especially in the first game. More so when you so many rookies and younger players. They are all trying to find their individual place as a pro while also trying to find their place within the system.
It was nice to see RJ get back to the way he had been playing last season. Gradey Dick looked incredible out there, scoring 10 points on 5-9 shooting.
There was of course the absence of IQ and Scottie, and a veteran presence in Bruce Brown.
One of the most encouraging things to watch during training camp and preseason has been the team’s off court connection. There was an intense effort to get these guys to spend time together this summer. They went to Spain and Miami for camps, and now have this trip to Montreal. They seem to genuinely like each other and have a great bond already.
It’s one thing to be on a losing team, but to have this chemistry will be really beneficial when the season gets a little rough. They will hopefully be fun to watch and support, and the content will hopefully end up being fun as well.
It’s a small sample size, but it’s nice to know the baseline is at the very least, watchable. The Raptors still have a few weeks of preseason games to find their footing before opening night on October 23rd.