Jamal Shead playing meaningful minutes for Toronto Raptors
It hasn't taken Jamal Shead long to work his way into the Toronto Raptors rotation.
In four games this season, the former Houston Cougars star is averaging 8.5 points and 4.8 assists in 20.3 minutes per game.
But, to no one's surprise in the greater Houston area, it's his defense that is drawing rave reviews.
In Toronto's season opener against Cleveland last week, Shead picked up Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland in the backcourt. For over 10 seconds, Shead hounded Garland until he gave up the ball to Sam Merrill. Then Shead glued onto Merrill, forcing a desperation 3-pointer at the shot clock buzzer.
Watch the sequence:
Jamal Shead, National Defensive Player of the Year for a reason. pic.twitter.com/QyqpYEApii
— Film Room Breakdowns (@FilmRoom_XsOs) October 24, 2024
In Toronto's 127-125 overtime loss to Denver on Monday night, Shead and Davion Mitchell combined to hold Jamal Murray and Russell Westbrook to 9-of-27 shooting. The 6-foot-1 Shead also successfully defended 6-foot-8 forward Aaron Gordon in the post, battling for position before drawing a charge.
No matter the matchup, no matter the mismatch... Jamal Shead is going to make life hell.
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) October 29, 2024
What a play. pic.twitter.com/WiRT0ZIPw7
The 45th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Shead is already showing he should have been selected much higher. His defense, ball handling and passing are NBA ready. If he improves his outside shot, watch out.
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Ben Sherman has been covering the sports world for most of his journalism career, including 17 years with The Oregonian/OregonLive. One of his favorite memories was covering the 1999 Fiesta Bowl - the first BCS National Championship Game - at Sun Devil Stadium.