THE Toronto RaptorsSecond-round draft pick Jonathan Mogbo made NBA history after signing a multi-year deal with the Serious Player Only shoe brand. As the team continues to rebuild after trading OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks and Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers, Mogbo’s new deal should help keep fans’ eyes glued to the product on the court. That could be difficult, however, as the Raptors finished 25-57 last season, which Chief Executive Masai Ujiri called it a “shame.”
According to reports, Jonathan Mogbo’s shoe deal makes him the first NBA player to sign with Serious Player Only, a “performance basketball brand made by players for players.” The company has also built a strong “grassroots base with its well-received slip-on performance insole sneakers,” according to this post by Nick DePaula on X, formerly Twitter.
What’s wrong with Raptors rookie’s historic contract?

In addition, Jonathan Mogbo announcement his Serious Player Only shoe deal via an Instagram post. While the sneaker brand is relatively new, its products have already proven themselves on the NBA court. For example, former All-Star Victor Oladipo has previously worn their “Player 1” shoes.
THE The Raptors selected Mogbo with the No. 31 pick. In the 2024 draft, the team believes the power forward’s skills could transfer from college to the modern NBA, where big men are expected to handle the ball and make plays for their teammates. Likewise, the team believes in his two-way abilities as an offensive threat and flexible defender, according to a report by Aaron Rose for Sports Illustrated.
During his career with the San Francisco Dons, the 1.98m wing averaged 14.2 points and 10.1 rebounds. However, as is often the case with second-round picks, he may not play much, as the Raptors could send him to their G League team to get some reps and get used to the speed of the NBA game. Additionally, they should want him to further develop his offensive skills, particularly his three-point shot.
What makes Jonathan Mogbo’s Serious Player Only deal historic is that he will be the only Raptors player to wear a shoe outside of major shoe brands. Raptors stars Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes will wear Nike, while Gradey Dick has a partnership with Adidas. RJ Barrett and Chris Boucher are with Puma.
However, Fred VanVleet wore Li-Ning shoes during his time with the Raptors.
Related NewsThe article continues below
The future
In basketball terms, the Raptors could make Mogbo a valuable long-term piece, as they also signed Scottie Barnes signs five-year, $224.9 million contractLast season, Barnes averaged 19.9 points, 6.1 assists and 8.2 rebounds. At this point, the Raptors should also want to see if he can be their first option for a playoff push.
Immanuel Quickley also signed a five-year, $175 million contract extension. With the Raptors, he averaged 18.6 points, 6.8 assists and 4.8 rebounds, while shooting 40 percent from three-point range. Meanwhile, RJ Barrett improved his game after the trade to the Knicks, scoring 21.8 points per game and shooting 55.3 percent.
Can this budding trio get the Raptors back into playoff contention?