Raptors Preseason Standout may have earned a roster spot with impressive showings

Jamison Battle seems to have distinguished himself.

Just nine minutes into Tuesday’s game, Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajaković returned to his bench and subbed in Battle. It was the first time Battle has seen first half minutes, let alone first quarter minutes, this preseason, and it appears to potentially be a harbinger of Toronto’s impending roster decision yet to come.

“This year is about getting to know our squad, exploring, we talked about using all fifteen players,” Rajaković said after training on Wednesday. “I will not hesitate to throw those boys into the game as well.”

Except Battle’s usage was different on Tuesday against the Boston Celtics. The 23-year-old rookie on an Exhibit 10 contract was the first player on a non-guaranteed contract to participate in the match. He overshadowed Bruno Fernando in the rotation and saw playing time well ahead of Jahmi’us Ramsey and Toronto’s other Exhibit 10 guard Jaren Rhoden, a DNP-CD (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision).

Battle didn’t disappoint either.

The former fifth-year Ohio State senior cashed in his first 3-pointer of the game and connected on two of his five 3-pointer attempts.

“He just does a lot of things at a good level,” Rajaković said of Battle. “First of all, his shooting is legitimate. He’s a very good three-point shooter, and that pays off big time. It opens up the floor, teammates feel confident finding him when he’s in those situations, and from there I see opportunities for him to further develop his game.

Battle was a high-volume 43.3% three-point shooter for the Buckeyes last year with a quick, left-handed release that has intrigued the Raptors

“I like left-handed players, left-handed shooters who can make shots but can also get into their left hand and get it all the way to the rim,” Rajaković said.

There is work to be done, especially defensively. He is 1.80 meters tall, but not a particularly strong or mobile winger who will struggle to carry out difficult assignments. But so far, Rajaković said, Toronto has seen signs of improvement on that side of the court and the organization has been happy.

The Raptors could certainly use Fernando’s size and an extra offensive player to support Jakob Poeltl and Kelly Olynyk, who have missed the last few preseason games due to injury. That said, Fernando’s preseason struggles and Battle’s impressive play so far have made this a serious selection competition.

After signing Battle to an Exhibit 10 deal, Toronto will have his G League rights should he not be picked up again in the NBA if the Raptors choose to waive him later this week. But given the way the preseason has gone so far, it wouldn’t be surprising if Battle Fernando has vaulted into the higher ranks of Toronto’s preseason.