With the 45th pick, the Raptors select Jamal Shead

[Dalek]

Is it me or was the trade to take on $12m in contracts just for Jamal Shead and a future second?

Davion is 25 and his numbers get worse each year. He shot the three at 36% but mostly catch and shoot and wide open, no self creation. He is what he is at this point.

Sasha V is halfway back home to Europe. He cannot do anything but shoot and is soon 29.

We are giving Shead a guaranteed contract and not a two way. To me, this was using cap space (and we are hard capped now for taking in more money then we sent out) to get Shead because they expect big things.

I have no doubt they have a vision for him to be the back-up and more. Darko has not had a true PG to work with and Shead would be the highest IQ guard they could attain. I am fascinated to see if this is another late gem.

[bluerap23]

I love Jamal Shead. Definitely my favourite incoming Raptor. But I was also a bit surprised at the pick after they picked up Davion.

But after thinking about it for a while, I think it's actually perfect. Davion is on an expiring contract. He'll come in and be the backup PG and the point-of-attack defender we've needed since FVV declined in that area a few years ago. That gives Shead some time to get his feet wet in the pro game and probably be the leader on the 905.

If by the trade deadline, it seems like Shead is meeting or exceeding expectations, we could try to trade Mitchell for a 2nd or something and keep stocking up assets. If he's showing some progress but still isn't ready yet, no problem, they keep Mitchell until the end of the year and his salary was the cost of allowing Shead time to develop.

And if by the end of the year Shead (even though I don't believe this will be the case) demonstrates to them that he's not an NBA player, they can try to re-sign Mitchell and still have a good backup point-of-attack defender.

hedge against Mitchell being too good and upping his value too much

[mtcan]

Is it me or was the trade to take on $12m in contracts just for Jamal Shead and a future second?

Davion is 25 and his numbers get worse each year. He shot the three at 36% but mostly catch and shoot and wide open, no self creation. He is what he is at this point.

Sasha V is halfway back home to Europe. He cannot do anything but shoot and is soon 29.

We are giving Shead a guaranteed contract and not a two way. To me, this was using cap space (and we are hard capped now for taking in more money then we sent out) to get Shead because they expect big things.

I have no doubt they have a vision for him to be the back-up and more. Darko has not had a true PG to work with and Shead would be the highest IQ guard they could attain. I am fascinated to see if this is another late gem.

The opportunity cost for the Kings to shed themselves ~ 8 million in salary was to attach 2 second round picks. It's clear that Davion isn't in the team's future especially after taking Devin Carter and resigning Malik Monk.

The upside for the Raptors is...you get to test out Davion as a backup in the Raptors system and see if a change in scenery will help him maybe hit another level in development or not. It's a low risk potentially high reward pickup. If he shows that he can excel in this environment...you can extend him at a backup-worthy contract. If not...you can let just part ways once the rookie contract is up. I think Davion plays more minutes as a Raptor since Darko doesn't mind play 2 point guard line-ups and you can have Quickley play off the ball. He's not a star lead guard in this league but can still carve out a role as a backup.

Shead needs to work on the shooting but otherwise...he's everything you want in a point guard: gritty defender, can run an offence, get to the basket and is experienced.

Whether Vezenkov suits up as a Raptor or not...not the most important thing here.

[djsunyc]

Is it me or was the trade to take on $12m in contracts just for Jamal Shead and a future second?

we sent out 4.7 mil in mcdaniels so net acquisition is about $8 mil. for that we got the 45 pick and a 2025 blazers 2nd rounder in addition to the players.

[MEDIC]

Agreed, but Alvarado really improved his shooting and came into league similar level of shooter as Shead, hitting 29 percent in year one and improving to 37 percent last year in his 3rd year. He's also impressive pressuring the rim and finishing at the rim; very athletic. We have two dudes, that if they can develop a shot, can be very good in him and Mogbo, but those are always big IF's. Shead is literally above average at everything besides size and shooting, and has all the intangibles you can ask for.

I just worry he’ll never get there. I’m not sure who the precedent is for a 4 year college player who was as bad from 3 as Shead and became an acceptable shooter. Alvarado had 2 college seasons where he shot 37 and 39% from 3 on decent volume. Shead’s best season was 31%. I wonder what the numbers say on fixing a guy like Shead’s jumper? If it can become acceptable he seems like a real player. It just seems like a pretty far bridge (which is why he went 45th).

My theory on guards like Shead who can’t shoot: why? I can understand it in the past but 3pt shooting has been in vogue for nearly a decade. If you are a 6’0 guard shouldn’t this be the number 1 skill you should be working on? Especially as a 4 year college player? I would have more confidence if he were a freshman but 4 years of terrible shooting? That has to be a bad sign. His ft shooting is solid so maybe it’s fixable. 4 years of bad shooting from a small guard doesn’t give me much hope.

This is a legit concern. On the flip side, if he could shoot, he'd be a lottery pick.

I suppose the model is Lowry, who was also a very poor shooter on very low volume until well into his career. He might not get there, but I don't mind taking that bet @ 45 considering how much else Shead brings to the table (on and off the court).

Even if the shot never comes around, I still see scenarios where Shead sticks. Heck, Ish Smith is still being paid to play basketball and Shead is much more well-rounded player.

I also believe that the Raptors believe they can teach players to shoot 3's. It's a skill that we see developed over and over again with reps. Lots of non-shooters turn into acceptable shooters in their prime years. OG, Scottie, Lowry, etc.

I think it's their way of finding diamonds in the rough & good value with late picks. You take a player like Shead who plays his ass off. High motor, fantastic defender, good leaderahip skulls, good handle, good distributor & good athlete.

You take a player like that & bet on developing his shot. Of course some don't pan out (Derozan), but it is worth the gamble.

You can't teach motor and IQ, bu lt you can teach a player how to shoot.

[Jcity08]

The more video I watch on Shead, the more I'm starting to like this pick.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Is it me or was the trade to take on $12m in contracts just for Jamal Shead and a future second?

Davion is 25 and his numbers get worse each year. He shot the three at 36% but mostly catch and shoot and wide open, no self creation. He is what he is at this point.

Sasha V is halfway back home to Europe. He cannot do anything but shoot and is soon 29.

We are giving Shead a guaranteed contract and not a two way. To me, this was using cap space (and we are hard capped now for taking in more money then we sent out) to get Shead because they expect big things.

I have no doubt they have a vision for him to be the back-up and more. Darko has not had a true PG to work with and Shead would be the highest IQ guard they could attain. I am fascinated to see if this is another late gem.

Walter mentioned in his presser Davion Mitchell was one of the reasons why he picked Baylor and they've played together in the summers. I think Mitchell is in the rotation, as we do need that ballhandler and POA defender immediately. Shead is gonna get a look to see if he can eventually lock down a rotation spot. People are maybe overthinking the team-building rationale of 2nd rounders. He was drafted roughly where David Johnson and Delano Banton were drafted. Banton is a relative success for that draft area.

[ConSarnit]

I just worry he’ll never get there. I’m not sure who the precedent is for a 4 year college player who was as bad from 3 as Shead and became an acceptable shooter. Alvarado had 2 college seasons where he shot 37 and 39% from 3 on decent volume. Shead’s best season was 31%. I wonder what the numbers say on fixing a guy like Shead’s jumper? If it can become acceptable he seems like a real player. It just seems like a pretty far bridge (which is why he went 45th).

My theory on guards like Shead who can’t shoot: why? I can understand it in the past but 3pt shooting has been in vogue for nearly a decade. If you are a 6’0 guard shouldn’t this be the number 1 skill you should be working on? Especially as a 4 year college player? I would have more confidence if he were a freshman but 4 years of terrible shooting? That has to be a bad sign. His ft shooting is solid so maybe it’s fixable. 4 years of bad shooting from a small guard doesn’t give me much hope.

This is a legit concern. On the flip side, if he could shoot, he'd be a lottery pick.

I suppose the model is Lowry, who was also a very poor shooter on very low volume until well into his career. He might not get there, but I don't mind taking that bet @ 45 considering how much else Shead brings to the table (on and off the court).

Even if the shot never comes around, I still see scenarios where Shead sticks. Heck, Ish Smith is still being paid to play basketball and Shead is much more well-rounded player.

I also believe that the Raptors believe they can teach players to shoot 3's. It's a skill that we see developed over and over again with reps. Lots of non-shooters turn into acceptable shooters in their prime years. OG, Scottie, Lowry, etc.

I think it's their way of finding diamonds in the rough & good value with late picks. You take a player like Shead who plays his ass off. High motor, fantastic defender, good leaderahip skulls, good handle, good distributor & good athlete.

You take a player like that & bet on developing his shot. Of course some don't pan out (Derozan), but it is worth the gamble.

You can't teach motor and IQ, bu lt you can teach a player how to shoot.

Yeah, I definitely get the risk. I just wonder how feasible it is with Shead

Lowry: 2 year college player, played at a time when the 3pt shot was less emphasized. Low volume 3pt shooter in college

OG: 2 year college player, shot 36% from 3 in college (low volume)

Barnes: 1 and done

My contention is: if there is any type of player who should have developed a 3pt shot by now it’s Shead. 6ft, 4 year college guard who came up in the 3pt era. Surely there would have been far more emphasis (and time) given to him developing a 3pt shot given his player type. It has to be concerning it hasn’t developed at all. What is the reason his shot is still so bad? Not saying he can’t get there, I’d just put his odds lower than guys like Lowry, OG or Barnes.

[MainEvent]

This is a legit concern. On the flip side, if he could shoot, he'd be a lottery pick.

I suppose the model is Lowry, who was also a very poor shooter on very low volume until well into his career. He might not get there, but I don't mind taking that bet @ 45 considering how much else Shead brings to the table (on and off the court).

Even if the shot never comes around, I still see scenarios where Shead sticks. Heck, Ish Smith is still being paid to play basketball and Shead is much more well-rounded player.

I also believe that the Raptors believe they can teach players to shoot 3's. It's a skill that we see developed over and over again with reps. Lots of non-shooters turn into acceptable shooters in their prime years. OG, Scottie, Lowry, etc.

I think it's their way of finding diamonds in the rough & good value with late picks. You take a player like Shead who plays his ass off. High motor, fantastic defender, good leaderahip skulls, good handle, good distributor & good athlete.

You take a player like that & bet on developing his shot. Of course some don't pan out (Derozan), but it is worth the gamble.

You can't teach motor and IQ, bu lt you can teach a player how to shoot.

Yeah, I definitely get the risk. I just wonder how feasible it is with Shead

Lowry: 2 year college player, played at a time when the 3pt shot was less emphasized. Low volume 3pt shooter in college

OG: 2 year college player, shot 36% from 3 in college (low volume)

Barnes: 1 and done

My contention is: if there is any type of player who should have developed a 3pt shot by now it’s Shead. 6ft, 4 year college guard who came up in the 3pt era. Surely there would have been far more emphasis (and time) given to him developing a 3pt shot given his player type. It has to be concerning it hasn’t developed at all. What is the reason his shot is still so bad? Not saying he can’t get there, I’d just put his odds lower than guys like Lowry, OG or Barnes.

Agree on the shot, he is very smart, aware and a relentless worker. As a 6 foot guard trying to get to the next level he had to have been focusing on his shot for years and still nothing.

Whatever he's doing mechanically isn't working and simply getting mo shats up won't fix it, we have to rework his shot and pray to the 3pt gods

[Dalek]

Is it me or was the trade to take on $12m in contracts just for Jamal Shead and a future second?

we sent out 4.7 mil in mcdaniels so net acquisition is about $8 mil. for that we got the 45 pick and a 2025 blazers 2nd rounder in addition to the players.

Maybe that is a better way to frame it. I think McDaniels was a sunk cost, but I think Mitchell and Vezenkov are as well. To me we took on a lot for Shead and another second.

[tecumseh18]

This is a legit concern. On the flip side, if he could shoot, he'd be a lottery pick.

I suppose the model is Lowry, who was also a very poor shooter on very low volume until well into his career. He might not get there, but I don't mind taking that bet @ 45 considering how much else Shead brings to the table (on and off the court).

Even if the shot never comes around, I still see scenarios where Shead sticks. Heck, Ish Smith is still being paid to play basketball and Shead is much more well-rounded player.

I also believe that the Raptors believe they can teach players to shoot 3's. It's a skill that we see developed over and over again with reps. Lots of non-shooters turn into acceptable shooters in their prime years. OG, Scottie, Lowry, etc.

I think it's their way of finding diamonds in the rough & good value with late picks. You take a player like Shead who plays his ass off. High motor, fantastic defender, good leaderahip skulls, good handle, good distributor & good athlete.

You take a player like that & bet on developing his shot. Of course some don't pan out (Derozan), but it is worth the gamble.

You can't teach motor and IQ, bu lt you can teach a player how to shoot.

Yeah, I definitely get the risk. I just wonder how feasible it is with Shead

Lowry: 2 year college player, played at a time when the 3pt shot was less emphasized. Low volume 3pt shooter in college

OG: 2 year college player, shot 36% from 3 in college (low volume)

Barnes: 1 and done

My contention is: if there is any type of player who should have developed a 3pt shot by now it’s Shead. 6ft, 4 year college guard who came up in the 3pt era. Surely there would have been far more emphasis (and time) given to him developing a 3pt shot given his player type. It has to be concerning it hasn’t developed at all. What is the reason his shot is still so bad? Not saying he can’t get there, I’d just put his odds lower than guys like Lowry, OG or Barnes.

Norm played 4 years at UCLA,and was NOT a shooter throughout. Actually his freshman year (.346 from 3) was his best. He shot .319 on 3.3 attempts per game as a senior. Shead was .309 on 3.8 attempts as a senior. Very similar, although Shead's FT percentage as a senior was slightly higher.

[RapsFanInVA]

Finally it's over. Dreadful television.

Who the f is Jamal Shead?

Missed Madness? Houston was great, and he was a beast. They lost to Duke ultimately and Shead got hurt, but he made All-American and was great.

He was literally the Big 12 player of the year in what was considered the best conference in college basketball. I guess CBB is bigger here in the states but I'm always shocked by the ignorance NBA fans have about college basketball.

[LoveMyRaps]

I haven't been this excited about a second round pick since Norm, who turned out to be pretty damn good.

Got a really, really good feeling about Jamal. Loved him in Houston and I think I'll love him even more now when he suits up for us.

[ForeverTFC]

Is it me or was the trade to take on $12m in contracts just for Jamal Shead and a future second?

we sent out 4.7 mil in mcdaniels so net acquisition is about $8 mil. for that we got the 45 pick and a 2025 blazers 2nd rounder in addition to the players.

Maybe that is a better way to frame it. I think McDaniels was a sunk cost, but I think Mitchell and Vezenkov are as well. To me we took on a lot for Shead and another second.

Quite confused here. Both are expiring. We took on $8m in expiring salary to get 2 2nd rd picks. We’re now limited to 2/3rds of the MLE instead of the full MLE. That’s really all this cost us. If they didn’t have an MLE target, what did we lose out on?

[onions17]

I also believe that the Raptors believe they can teach players to shoot 3's. It's a skill that we see developed over and over again with reps. Lots of non-shooters turn into acceptable shooters in their prime years. OG, Scottie, Lowry, etc.

I think it's their way of finding diamonds in the rough & good value with late picks. You take a player like Shead who plays his ass off. High motor, fantastic defender, good leaderahip skulls, good handle, good distributor & good athlete.

You take a player like that & bet on developing his shot. Of course some don't pan out (Derozan), but it is worth the gamble.

You can't teach motor and IQ, bu lt you can teach a player how to shoot.

Yeah, I definitely get the risk. I just wonder how feasible it is with Shead

Lowry: 2 year college player, played at a time when the 3pt shot was less emphasized. Low volume 3pt shooter in college

OG: 2 year college player, shot 36% from 3 in college (low volume)

Barnes: 1 and done

My contention is: if there is any type of player who should have developed a 3pt shot by now it’s Shead. 6ft, 4 year college guard who came up in the 3pt era. Surely there would have been far more emphasis (and time) given to him developing a 3pt shot given his player type. It has to be concerning it hasn’t developed at all. What is the reason his shot is still so bad? Not saying he can’t get there, I’d just put his odds lower than guys like Lowry, OG or Barnes.

Norm played 4 years at UCLA,and was NOT a shooter throughout. Actually his freshman year (.346 from 3) was his best. He shot .319 on 3.3 attempts per game as a senior. Shead was .309 on 3.8 attempts as a senior. Very similar, although Shead's FT percentage as a senior was slightly higher.

I do remember the way Norm was clanking jump shots early in his rookie season, it was an ugly sight. If I remember right he made huge strides in his shooting towards the end of that season and into year 2.

[youngRAPZ]

we sent out 4.7 mil in mcdaniels so net acquisition is about $8 mil. for that we got the 45 pick and a 2025 blazers 2nd rounder in addition to the players.

Maybe that is a better way to frame it. I think McDaniels was a sunk cost, but I think Mitchell and Vezenkov are as well. To me we took on a lot for Shead and another second.

Quite confused here. Both are expiring. We took on $8m in expiring salary to get 2 2nd rd picks. We’re now limited to 2/3rds of the MLE instead of the full MLE. That’s really all this cost us. If they didn’t have an MLE target, what did we lose out on?

Some people just always have to find something to complain about

[PoundTown]

I just worry he’ll never get there. I’m not sure who the precedent is for a 4 year college player who was as bad from 3 as Shead and became an acceptable shooter. Alvarado had 2 college seasons where he shot 37 and 39% from 3 on decent volume. Shead’s best season was 31%. I wonder what the numbers say on fixing a guy like Shead’s jumper? If it can become acceptable he seems like a real player. It just seems like a pretty far bridge (which is why he went 45th).

My theory on guards like Shead who can’t shoot: why? I can understand it in the past but 3pt shooting has been in vogue for nearly a decade. If you are a 6’0 guard shouldn’t this be the number 1 skill you should be working on? Especially as a 4 year college player? I would have more confidence if he were a freshman but 4 years of terrible shooting? That has to be a bad sign. His ft shooting is solid so maybe it’s fixable. 4 years of bad shooting from a small guard doesn’t give me much hope.

This is a legit concern. On the flip side, if he could shoot, he'd be a lottery pick.

I suppose the model is Lowry, who was also a very poor shooter on very low volume until well into his career. He might not get there, but I don't mind taking that bet @ 45 considering how much else Shead brings to the table (on and off the court).

Even if the shot never comes around, I still see scenarios where Shead sticks. Heck, Ish Smith is still being paid to play basketball and Shead is much more well-rounded player.

I also believe that the Raptors believe they can teach players to shoot 3's. It's a skill that we see developed over and over again with reps. Lots of non-shooters turn into acceptable shooters in their prime years. OG, Scottie, Lowry, etc.

I think it's their way of finding diamonds in the rough & good value with late picks. You take a player like Shead who plays his ass off. High motor, fantastic defender, good leaderahip skulls, good handle, good distributor & good athlete.

You take a player like that & bet on developing his shot. Of course some don't pan out (Derozan), but it is worth the gamble.

You can't teach motor and IQ, bu lt you can teach a player how to shoot.

Norm after 4 years in college was also a low level 30s 3 point shooter and you could argue the same level shooter as shead, as shead may have been forced into more late clock shots as lone ball handler with one solid scorer with him in cryer. But norm learnt how to shoot with the raps and has been a model of consistency since.

If shead or mogbo can develop shots they’ll be good players because they can do pretty much everything else well. Both are great athletes, great defenders and smart players who appear to have great work ethics. Time will tell if they can develop that swing skill, but masai believes they have the attitudes and focus to make it happen, or that it’s atleast a good gamble.

[ConSarnit]

I also believe that the Raptors believe they can teach players to shoot 3's. It's a skill that we see developed over and over again with reps. Lots of non-shooters turn into acceptable shooters in their prime years. OG, Scottie, Lowry, etc.

I think it's their way of finding diamonds in the rough & good value with late picks. You take a player like Shead who plays his ass off. High motor, fantastic defender, good leaderahip skulls, good handle, good distributor & good athlete.

You take a player like that & bet on developing his shot. Of course some don't pan out (Derozan), but it is worth the gamble.

You can't teach motor and IQ, bu lt you can teach a player how to shoot.

Yeah, I definitely get the risk. I just wonder how feasible it is with Shead

Lowry: 2 year college player, played at a time when the 3pt shot was less emphasized. Low volume 3pt shooter in college

OG: 2 year college player, shot 36% from 3 in college (low volume)

Barnes: 1 and done

My contention is: if there is any type of player who should have developed a 3pt shot by now it’s Shead. 6ft, 4 year college guard who came up in the 3pt era. Surely there would have been far more emphasis (and time) given to him developing a 3pt shot given his player type. It has to be concerning it hasn’t developed at all. What is the reason his shot is still so bad? Not saying he can’t get there, I’d just put his odds lower than guys like Lowry, OG or Barnes.

Norm played 4 years at UCLA,and was NOT a shooter throughout. Actually his freshman year (.346 from 3) was his best. He shot .319 on 3.3 attempts per game as a senior. Shead was .309 on 3.8 attempts as a senior. Very similar, although Shead's FT percentage as a senior was slightly higher.

Powell could be a decent comp for possible development. I’ll also add that I have no idea what type of shots Shead was taking. If he was taking a higher percent of off the dribble 3’s that could be driving his % down. If he was taking a bunch of bad/difficult 3’s maybe that can be cleaned up.

[Got Nuffin]

Is it me or was the trade to take on $12m in contracts just for Jamal Shead and a future second?

Davion is 25 and his numbers get worse each year. He shot the three at 36% but mostly catch and shoot and wide open, no self creation. He is what he is at this point.

Sasha V is halfway back home to Europe. He cannot do anything but shoot and is soon 29.

We are giving Shead a guaranteed contract and not a two way. To me, this was using cap space (and we are hard capped now for taking in more money then we sent out) to get Shead because they expect big things.

I have no doubt they have a vision for him to be the back-up and more. Darko has not had a true PG to work with and Shead would be the highest IQ guard they could attain. I am fascinated to see if this is another late gem.

Mitchell may not have the upside that Sacto thought he had when he was drafted, but he is definitely still a useful young player. He gets a lot of minutes as the POA defender on Steph Curry whenever the two team clash, and that along with his decent 3% are more than enough of an endorsement to bring him in and give him a try when we have been so sorely lacking that kind of defensive player since OG left.

Especially when the cost is.. McDaniels? Even if it were a 1 for 1 trade Mitchell/Mcdaniels I would have thought it completely unrealistic beforehand!

[Rapsalot]

I like this for Mitchell and Shead giving IQ tough practices all the time as development for all three.