The Raptors’ sophomore gives off shades of the ‘get-it-done-by-whatever-means’ archetype that fans have fallen in love with before.
Before the Toronto Raptors escaped with a 101-97 victory over the Denver Nuggets, things looked shaky.
The Nuggets were knocking down triples and taking advantage of the Raptors’ hyper-aggressive defence. On the other end, the Raptors’ offence looked flat.
And that’s when Jamal Shead emerged.
Reminiscent of another scrappy Raptors guard, Shead identified the exact moments he was needed the most.
Let’s take a closer look at Shead’s gritty performance and how it reminded Raptors fans of a typical Kyle Lowry night.
The in-betweeners
Although Shead’s outside jumper continues to be the defining skill that likely dictates his career trajectory, there are hopeful signs that he has enough offensive tools to stay on the floor for extended minutes.
Lowry also struggled with his shot, averaging below 30 per cent from three during his first four seasons in the NBA. Coming out of Villanova, Lowry mitigated his weakness with a healthy diet of aggressive takes to the basket. That later evolved to include a fun push-shot floater that Lowry weaponized for the remainder of his career.
Listed at six-feet, an in-between game will do wonders for Shead as he figures out what kind of guard he is offensively.
Setting the table
Like any second-year guard, Shead is developing as a playmaker.
But if the Raptors expect a Bench Mob reincarnation this season, Shead must become comfortable with manufacturing points for others. Like Lowry, Shead doesn’t have the measurables to see over a defence or consistently make mind-bending passes through outreached arms. His aforementioned in-between game and efficiency at the rim are vital to opening passing lanes for rollers and cutters, while creating chaos in the paint.
Beware of dog
The defensive side of the ball is where Shead shines the brightest, while evoking memories of one of the greatest Raptors of all time. The first clip is a standout moment, with Shead shadowing Nuggets guard Tyrell Harrison up the court. He then switches onto forward E.J. Liddell to remain on-ball, before reminding everyone he’s not an easy back-down opportunity.
Grit and effort
Peak-Lowry was as skilled and mentally gifted at basketball as they come. But it was his tenacity that put him over the top. If Shead can consistently match even half of Lowry’s grit and effort, then he’ll lock down the backup guard spot for years to come.
The fearless venture into a forest of defenders, the willingness to protect the rim, and the desire to seize the moment are traits that defined Lowry, and it’ll serve Shead well too.