Former NBA Coach of the Year winner Sam Mitchell questioned the Toronto Raptors’ decision-making down the stretch during their 128-126 home loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday evening.
The play in question was during the final 25 seconds. After a Toronto Raptors defensive stop, Jamal Shead dribbled to the frontcourt and turned the ball over, leading to a Jaden McDaniels dunk that iced the game. Mitchell wondered why Brandon Ingram or Scottie Barnes didn’t get the ball in those moments.
“I’m not going to say they lack grit, but think about who had the ball in those precious situations. Jamal Shead. Guys that shouldn’t have the ball in those moments. Guys that shouldn’t be taking those shots. You are a role player. In those situations, play your role. That’s why you got Scottie Barnes,” Mitchell said.
“My question is, why doesn’t Scottie have the ball? Immanuel Quickley. BI. You got other guys that you pay a lot of money to have the ball in those situations, and yet those guys didn’t have the ball in their hands,” he added.
Toronto Raptors add frontcourt depth in latest trade with the Golden State Warriors
After acquiring Chris Paul in a three-team deal involving the Los Angeles Clippers and the Brooklyn Nets, the Toronto Raptors have reportedly acquired Trayce Jackson-Davis from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for a 2026 second-rounder via the Lakers, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Toronto Raptors bolstered their frontcourt depth with the move while ducking the tax. Jackson-Davis has a $2.4 million team option for next season, so this is an opportunity for him to prove his worth.
According to Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports, before acquiring Jackson-Davis, the Toronto Raptors were linked to Yves Missi, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Goga Bitadze. However, the team was reluctant to give away a first-rounder in exchange.
