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Grading 2024-25 NBA Season for Toronto Raptors' Rookie Class at the NBA All-Star Break
© Brad Penner-Imagn Images

A lot of the talk surrounding the 2024 NBA Draft billed it as one of the weakest draft classes in recent memory. For the most start, that sentiment has proven to be true. However, the Toronto Raptors actually made out pretty well from the ordeal, all things considered.

The Raptors used their 19th pick in last year's NBA Draft to select Ja'Kobe Walter from Baylor. They followed that up by snagging up Jonathan Mogbo at 31, Jamal Shead at 45, and Ulrich Chomche at 57. The final noteworthy cherry on top was the undrafted signing of Jamison Battle.

All in all, the Raptors are probably pretty satisfied with the talent they secured as a part of this rookie class.

Walter has averaged 7.7 points on 40.6 percent from the field and 31.1 percent from 3-point. While there is still plenty of room for growth offensively, Walter has flashed some promising two-way upside throughout the season, allowing the Raptors to be hopeful of the player that the former Baylor product becomes.

The consistent theme for the Raptors rookies will be that of flashes.

Mogbo's averages of 5.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.7 blocks, and 0.5 steals will not blow anyone away. However, the upside of a versatile defender who can grow into his offense has shown itself.

Shead posted similar production to that of Davion Mitchell throughout the 2024-25 NBA season. It resulted in the Raptors choosing to move on from the latter, trading Mitchell to the Miami Heat in exchange for second-round draft capital. The former Houston Cougars star has established himself as the backup point guard of the future in Toronto.

Chomche is undoubtedly the biggest 'work in progress' for the Raptors. The 19-year-old is fairly raw and will need time to develop.

However, the Raptors were so encouraged by what they saw from undrafted rookie Jamison Battle that they converted his two-way deal into a standard contract after the NBA Trade Deadline.

It feels tough to be disappointed with the pool of players that Toronto managed to acquire through the 2024 NBA Draft. There is no flagship prospect to hang your hat on, but there are a handful of potential rotational players for the future here.

Midseason grade: C+

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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