On an evening that noticed the Raptors down by as many as 16 factors within the fourth quarter, Jamal Shead supplied sufficient power to carry the staff inside one level of taking the lead. Though their comeback try failed, the Raptors can take solace in realizing they’ve the sort of participant followers will love for years to return.
Toronto introduced in Shead by way of a commerce with the Sacramento Kings on draft day after he was chosen with the forty fifth choose. He arrived in Toronto with a successful pedigree having made one Elite Eight look and three Candy Sixteens throughout his 4 years on the College of Houston. By no means placing up flashy numbers, Shead has at all times been often called a troublesome participant who does no matter it takes to win.
With the Bulls main 95-84 heading into the fourth quarter Monday evening, head coach Darko Rajakovic put Shead within the recreation and by no means took him out. He recorded 10 factors, six assists, 4 rebounds and a steal in his 12 minutes of motion. Shead scored or assisted on 25 of the Raptors’ 37 factors within the fourth quarter with out having stepped on the ground earlier than the sport. Even along with his spectacular manufacturing in a brief period of time, the stat sheet does not do justice to the worth Shead brings to the staff. He brings power, depth and protection to a staff that desperately wants it. The 6’1 guard might remind followers of the youthful variations of former Raptors Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet who excelled in Toronto regardless of their smaller measurement.
The 7-20 Raptors will look to proceed to play towards their rookies and youthful gamers as they transfer additional and additional away from competing for play-ins. After a number of transient stints with the G League, it will likely be necessary for the staff to get extra minutes for guys like Shead on the NBA stage. Shead has confirmed he could make an influence on any given evening and his growth ought to be a precedence for the staff shifting ahead.
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