Josh Jackson, No. 4 pick in 2017, opening eyes at Raptors camp

Josh Jackson was once an unknown amount when the Raptors started practicing camp, a former No. 4 draft pick nonetheless younger and finding out the sport and to this point not able to achieve any traction in a occupation that after appeared so promising.

He was once a past due addition to the pre-season roster, signed to a non-guaranteed training-camp contract in past due August, about 3 weeks earlier than the group took the court docket. There had been those that idea he was once simply camp fodder, every other man to supply pageant and a heat frame for practices, scrimmages and the extraordinary exhibition recreation.

He appears to be throwing a wrench into the ones expectancies.

The six-foot-eight swingman made a giant commentary for successful a role Wednesday in Boston, taking part in the general 17 mins of a stirring comeback that ended in a 125-119 additional time victory. He had 13 issues and a few rebounds in that extend when Toronto rallied from a 19-point deficit and it was once the type of in-control, secure manufacturing the group is on the lookout for from any individual who would most likely play sparingly in the common season.

The 25-year-old Jackson doesn’t do anything else flashy however he’s a cast and keen defender who doesn’t take dangers or motive problems at the different finish of the ground. He additionally has some capturing talents the group may just use.

It’s that more or less package deal that led the Raptors to take a flyer on him. Jackson’s incapability to stay with any of the 5 groups he has been with since Phoenix took him fourth in the 2017 draft is somewhat troubling. He’s had off-the-court problems — minor run-ins with the police on two events and a suspension for violating group laws with the G League Memphis Hustle — and that can were sufficient to scare off a handful of groups. Raptors officers say privately they’re hope his problems are at the back of him.

Getting a rather risk-free glance at any individual with plain talents was once too just right for Toronto to cross up. And the loss of any ensure has put the onus on Jackson to end up himself, which he appears to be doing rather smartly thru per week of camp practices, scrimmages and two exhibition video games.

“We feel like he’s one guy who has had some success and experience full-denying a player, and playing with some speed and athleticism and some length … just one of those guys who is a nuisance on defence; that’s kind of his thing,” Raptors trainer Nick Nurse mentioned close to the tip of camp. “That’s why we have him in, and we’re looking at him.”

Whether Jackson can declare the general roster spot hasn’t been made up our minds after two pre-season video games. Justin Champagnie, every other participant combating for the activity, has but to play on account of a hip factor. The Raptors know him from the 2021-22 season spent on a two-way deal and that can lend a hand, however he has to get at the court docket in video games with this workforce earlier than he’s signed or reduce adrift.

The 3rd competitor for the activity, D.J. Wilson, hasn’t appeared dangerous in exhibition wins over Boston and Utah. There is a few familiarity with him after he spent just about a month with the Raptors ultimate season.

Many elements will input into the general choice on who will get the general roster spot. There are nonetheless 3 pre-season video games and a handful of practices for the applicants to make their case.

Positional want, well being considerations, measurement, the willingness to play onerous each day trip: They will all cross into the verdict in the end reached via Masai Ujiri, Bobby Webster and Nurse.

But after simply two video games, Jackson has at least proven that he’s going to be central to the dialogue.

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