Second-round pick Jamal Shead has quickly endeared himself to the Toronto Raptors with his defense, hustle, and willingness to accept his role, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca.
Former Raptor Fred VanVleet, another small guard, sees similarities between his game and Shead’s, and the rookie says he’s hoping to emulate VanVleet’s NBA success.
“He’s somebody that you look at as a role model,” Shead said of VanVleet. “Being in [college at] Houston, I got to see him [last season], just going up to [the Rockets] facility, watching him workout, watching him play.
“He’s somebody that’s my size, does what I do, and shoots the ball a lot better than me. So, he’s just a role model and somebody that I can look at and try to be like in this league.
“Toronto’s known for doing smaller guards justice, so he set the pathway for me, and I’m just trying to figure out how I can do what he did.”
Shead admires VanVleet and recognizes the Raptors’ positive influence on smaller guards. This legacy inspires him as he starts his rookie season.
His commitment to defense and eagerness to embrace his role shows his understanding of NBA success, knowing that emulating players like VanVleet requires hard work and dedication.
Atlantic Notes: George, McCain, Shead, VanVleet, Horford https://t.co/hwQwc3b4s0 pic.twitter.com/tBoSCkBnlp
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 12, 2024
