Raptors’ Second Round Pick Exceeds Expectations as New Starter

Toronto forward Jonathan Mogbo has far exceeded expectations so far this season, doing so again versus the Hornets on Wednesday.

Oct 25, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Jonathan Mogbo (2) dunks for a basket against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images / Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Toronto Raptors may have found another gem in a project forward, as they’ve done so many times before.

The very first pick of the 2024 NBA Draft’s second round, former NAIA standout Jonathan Mogbo has far exceeded expectations through just a few games. On Wednesday, he put up his best performance yet in his first-ever start, added 11 points on an efficient 5-for-7 shooting, adding four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal in 25 minutes played.

The Raptors ultimately didn’t come away with the win, losing with a late surge from the new-and-improved Charlotte Hornets, but Mogbo’s performance was wildly impressive for his inexperience in the league.

Selected at No. 31, not much was expected of the 6-foot-6 forward, who essentially moonlights as a big without a perimeter-focused game. But he’s blown expectations out of the water, not only finding time on court, but excelling in the minutes granted.

It’s not exceptionally shocking Mogbo has found a quick NBA groove — he’s long been a stat sheet-stuffer. As a junior at San Francisco, Mogbo averaged 14.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting a blistering 64% overall.

His defense, which has been what the hat hangs on for most of his career, has remained solid. And the offense looks well ahead of schedule.

Mogbo will need to find some perimeter chops to have a long and successful NBA career, but that will come with time as long as he’s producing on-court.

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