The Toronto Raptors are off to a quietly encouraging start in 2026, stringing together a 5-2 record to begin the new year. And while the wins are nice, what’s really turning heads in Toronto right now is the emergence of a fresh crop of young talent-players who are making the most of their opportunities amid injuries and lineup shuffles.
This isn’t a full-blown youth movement, but it’s a clear sign that Head Coach Darko Rajaković is willing to shake things up. And that’s exactly what Raptors fans have been waiting for. The trio of Alijah Martin, Jamison Battle, and AJ Lawson may not be household names just yet, but they’re making a strong case to be part of the Raptors’ long-term plans.
The “Next Man Up” Mentality Is Starting to Take Root
Coach Rajaković has talked all season about accountability and earning minutes, and lately, we’re seeing that philosophy in action. Injuries and inconsistencies have opened the door, and this group of young players is stepping through it with purpose.
Let’s start with Alijah Martin. The rookie has shown a knack for doing the little things that don’t always show up in the box score but matter in a big way-diving for loose balls, making the right rotation, staying locked in defensively.
He plays with a winning edge, and that’s something this Raptors team has been searching for. Martin’s energy and effort are contagious, and it’s clear he’s earning the trust of the coaching staff.
Then there’s Jamison Battle. After playing a solid role in his rookie season, Battle has seen his minutes trimmed significantly this year-until recently.
Over the last five games, he’s averaging 12.3 minutes, including a season-high 19:31 in a start against Indiana. He didn’t just log minutes-he looked comfortable out there, spacing the floor and playing within the offense.
Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle sprain in that game, which could slow his momentum. But the fact that he’s been working his way back into the rotation is a promising sign.
His shooting stroke remains his calling card, and if he finds a rhythm, he could be a valuable floor-spacer off the bench.
AJ Lawson is another name to keep an eye on. The Brampton native, currently on a two-way contract, has been making the most of his recent run.
In the last five games, he’s averaging 11.3 minutes, and he made a statement against Philadelphia on January 12, dropping 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Lawson has always had that microwave scoring ability-Raptors 905 fans saw it last season when he erupted for 32 points against the Wizards.
Now, he’s showing he can bring that same spark to the big stage. He’s athletic, confident, and gives the Raptors a versatile wing who can knock down shots and get out in transition.
The Path Forward: No Let-Up Allowed
For Martin, Battle, and Lawson, the message is clear: keep pushing. With the roster slowly returning to full strength, their minutes won’t be guaranteed.
But they’ve already shown enough to stay in the conversation. Whether it’s Martin’s grit, Battle’s shooting, or Lawson’s scoring punch, each brings something different to the table-and all three have looked like they belong.
The two-way status of Martin and Lawson could become a factor later in the season, especially if they continue to produce. But if they keep making it impossible to ignore them, the Raptors will have decisions to make-and that’s a good problem to have. Standard contracts could be on the table if their impact continues to grow.
This stretch has been a reminder that development doesn’t always follow a straight line. Sometimes it takes a few injuries, a few shakeups, and a few hungry players to change the tone of a season. And right now, the Raptors’ tone feels different-in a good way.
These young guys aren’t just filling in; they’re competing. They’re injecting life into the rotation. And if they keep this up, they might just force the Raptors to rethink what this season-and this roster-could become.