The Raptors believe Davion Mitchell will bring a perimeter defensive presence they lacked last season, writes Josh Lewenberg of TSN. The 25-year-old was acquired from the Kings in a trade on the second night of the draft to fill Toronto’s need for a backup point guard.
“I’m trying to bring leadership, defensive mindset, being that dog, just doing the little things on the floor,” Mitchell said. “Over my career playing basketball, every team that I’ve been on, the guy that’s on the ball brings that energy. I think that me putting pressure on the ball up top, a lot of people are gonna want to play just as hard. No one wants to stand out by not playing hard. So, me bringing that energy is going to show.”
Mitchell’s defensive prowess convinced Sacramento to select him with the ninth pick in 2021, but he struggled to find playing time in a crowded backcourt. Even though he appeared in 72 games last season, he dropped to a career-low 15.3 minutes per night and his other numbers declined across the board. The Kings were looking to unload his contract to provide cap relief, and Toronto welcomed the opportunity to increase its toughness level on defense.
“It’s not just about him, it’s all the guys,” coach Darko Rajakovic said. “Everybody has to step up. We’re working a lot during the summer to really improve on-ball defense, aggressiveness. We’re really, really trying to – as you can see in the draft class as well – find as many possible two-way guys. We call them the most important guy. Most important guy is the guy who’s guarding the ball. He makes it easier for everybody else. And we’re really trying to develop everybody on our roster to be able to do a better job.”
There’s more on the Raptors:
- Toronto hasn’t resolved the situation regarding Sasha Vezenkov, who was acquired from Sacramento in the same trade, tweets Blake Murphy of Sportsnet. Vezenkov reportedly reached a deal with Olympiacos in Greece, but there’s one year left on his NBA contract, plus a team option for 2025/26. “We’re still having that conversation,” team president Masai Ujiri said today on a broadcast of the Raptors’ Summer League game. “He had a tough time in the NBA last year. We are trying to figure it out, and what he wants to do. The right decision will be made. … I think he’s a phenomenal player, had a tough season last season, those things happen, great shooter. Whatever happens, we’re going to make the best out of this situation. We support him in every way and we know where our team is going. So hopefully soon.”
- Even though it’s somewhat rare for former lottery picks with two full years of experience to participate in Summer League, Ochai Agbaji and Raptors officials both believed it would be beneficial, per Lewenberg (Twitter link). Agbaji appeared in 27 games with Toronto after being acquired from Utah in February.
- The Raptors hosted a private scrimmage on Friday in Las Vegas that involved representatives of the Clippers, Trail Blazers and Rockets, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic (Twitter link). Iko hears that the standout performer was free agent swingman Hamidou Diallo, who played two games with Washington last season.
- In an interview with Eric Koreen of The Athletic, Gradey Dick talks about the challenges of his rookie season.
If you don’t love Gradey then you don’t know Dick!
Gradey Dick started a revolution with that Black-Dick jersey swap.
Who knows what comes next.
Dick-Hunter, Suggs-Dick the possibilities are endless.
Diallo is slept on, like Javonte Green with absolutely no shooting though
Grade A Dick
Gradey’s signature play is the so-called Dick move. Copied millions of times all around the world but never equalled.
If Vezenkov is under contract in nba
What is the issue ?
Isn’t he contractually obligated ?
Some people whine until they get what they want. The reality is he doesn’t know what he wants. He just knows he doesn’t want “that” (situation in Sac). Contract aside, there’s an obligation to himself to at least see what the Raptors can offer him. The NBA will set a precedent with him if he tries to play in another league without the consent of the team that owns his rights/contract. Tread carefully.
Vezenkov wanted a change in scenery, he got that and will get a real opportunity in Toronto. Gradey will be better this year as well as the raps big 3. Agbaji has also been working on expanding his game.
Will Bruce Brown be traded? I was looking forward to a Bruce for Cam Johnson deal.