Raptors Midseason Player Grades: Who’s Rising, Who’s Regressing?
We’re a couple months into the NBA season, and the Toronto Raptors are still very much a team in flux. A mix of young talent, new faces, and evolving roles has made for an unpredictable start.
But through all the ups and downs, a few players are starting to carve out their identity - for better or worse. Let’s break down where some key Raptors stand as we hit the early checkpoint of the season.
Sandro Mamukelashvili: B-
Let’s be real - the bar for impactful free-agent signings in Raptors history isn’t exactly sky-high. But Mamukelashvili has wasted no time making his case as one of the better ones.
He’s been a pleasant surprise, especially during some of Toronto’s early-season struggles. Offensively, he’s been a great fit - stretching the floor with his three-point shot while also showing the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the rim.
What’s stood out even more? His rebounding.
On a roster that doesn’t exactly dominate the glass, Mamukelashvili has been one of the few consistently battling for boards. He’s not just filling a need - he’s doing it while fitting in seamlessly with the team’s chemistry.
That matters.
Immanuel Quickley: B-
October was rough. There’s no sugarcoating it - through six games, Quickley looked like he hadn’t shaken off the rust from last season’s injury-hampered campaign. But credit to him: he’s turned things around in a big way.
Since that early slump, Quickley’s been efficient and composed. He’s shooting close to 50% from the field and knocking down threes at a 41% clip.
Just as importantly, he’s keeping turnovers in check and holding his own on defense. That’s the version of Quickley the Raptors were hoping for when they brought him in.
He might not be lighting up the scoreboard every night, but he’s playing like a solid starting point guard - and that’s a big step forward from where he was a month ago.
Collin Murray-Boyles: B-
The No. 9 pick in this year’s draft isn’t playing like your typical rookie - and that’s a good thing. Murray-Boyles came into the league with a defensive reputation, and he’s already living up to it.
Physically, he’s a handful - strong, tough, and not afraid to mix it up. He’s holding his own against NBA-level competition on the defensive end, which is rare for a rookie this early.
Offensively, he started the year surprisingly hot from beyond the arc, though that part of his game has cooled off lately. Still, he’s doing the dirty work: attacking the paint, rebounding, and making smart plays.
He’s shooting over 60% of his shots in the paint - a sign that he’s not settling and knows where his bread is buttered. Quietly, he’s becoming a reliable contributor, and his development is ahead of schedule.
Ja’Kobe Walter: C
There’s still a lot to like about Walter, even if the results haven’t fully clicked yet. The 19th pick from the 2024 draft is just 21, and the Raptors are clearly invested in his growth. With RJ Barrett sidelined, Walter’s been getting starter reps, and he’s making the most of them - especially on the defensive end.
He’s got that tenacity you want in a young wing defender, chasing down guards and wings alike. And in November, he found a rhythm from deep, shooting 43.9% from three over 15 games.
That’s a promising sign. At worst, he’s shaping up to be a solid 3-and-D rotation piece.
But with his work ethic and tools, there’s potential for much more down the line.
Gradey Dick: C
This one’s a bit of a head-scratcher. On paper, Dick’s advanced stats say he’s helping the Raptors - he leads the team in on/off-court net rating.
But the eye test? It hasn’t always matched up.
Defensively, he’s been targeted at times, yet somehow the team performs better on that end when he’s out there. Offensively, the three-point shot - his calling card - just hasn’t been falling.
He’s down to 31.3% from deep after hitting 36.5% as a rookie. But here’s the twist: he’s shooting a career-best 55% on twos, cutting down turnovers, and racking up steals.
So while it’s been an uneven ride, there are signs that he’s rounding into form. He was excellent in Tuesday’s win, and if that outside shot starts falling again, things could click in a hurry. For now, it’s a mixed bag - but not without upside.
Ochai Agbaji: D
No way around it - this has been a tough stretch for Agbaji. After being one of last season’s bright spots, he’s fallen out of the rotation and hasn’t looked anything like the player who led the team in three-point shooting a year ago.
He went 0-for-8 from deep in November and is just 1-for-19 on the season. That’s a stunning drop-off for a former lottery pick and Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
With the Raptors needing to make some financial decisions to get under the luxury tax, Agbaji’s future in Toronto is looking uncertain. He’s got the pedigree, but the production just hasn’t been there.
Final Word:
It’s still early, and the Raptors are clearly in the middle of a transition phase. But the foundation is being built - and these player performances are giving us a clearer picture of who fits where.
Some guys are exceeding expectations, others are still finding their footing, and a few may be running out of time. Either way, the next couple months will be telling.