The recognizable names dwindled at the Raptors’ preseason opener against the Washington Wizards on Sunday night, a 125-98 win.

The Toronto Raptors appear to have some good point guard depth behind Immanuel Quickley in Davion Mitchell and Jamal Shead. Ironically, both players came in a trade where the Raptors acquired Mitchell and the rights to Shead (the 45th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft from the Sacramento Kings for Jalen McDaniels.

Defence was the name of the game for the Toronto Raptors in Sunday’s pre-season kickoff and expect more of the same moving forward. Toronto was one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA last season under then rookie head coach Darko Rajakovic and the coach and team boss Masai Ujiri both made it clear that was unacceptable and defence will be a major priority in 2024-25.

It’s one night of exhibition basketball, but Raptors youngsters Davion Mitchell and Jamal Shead showed in that environment at least, they have some answers at point guard if Immanuel Quickley isn’t on the floor.