Toronto Raptors Rookie Stuffs Stat Sheet in Win Over Brooklyn Nets

The Toronto Raptors are attempting to land Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft by winning the NBA Draft Lottery and bettering their odds down the stretch of the regular season. But on Wednesday, the Raptors picked up a win behind its rookie class.

Mar 26, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Jonathan Mogbo (2) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (9) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Toronto Raptors are attempting to climb up the NBA Draft Lottery odds list down the stretch of this season and have pulled off an interesting tanking strategy that sometimes sees the Raptors not just outright rest players but instead yanking them off the court during the most important stages.

This is not the first time the Raptors have been outside the box. Just weeks ago they traded for Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans with a eyebrow raising move. Last June, they zagged again loading up on talent from the 2024 NBA Draft while other teams strayed away from what they believed was a weak draft class.

Jonathan Mogbo was a diamond in the rough that got a ton of pre-draft buzz and has panned out as a rookie for the Toronto Raptors despite going under the radar due to playing for a club that has not been trying to win.

On Wednesday, Mogbo was able to put his finger prints all over a 116-86 win over the Brooklyn Nets. The first year big man was able to log 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block in 24 minutes of action off of Toronto's bench in the lopsided win.

Mogbo shot 50% from the floor while getting to the free throw line for six attempts and nailing all of them. His versatility will be key for the Raptors building out this roster whenever it is that Toronto is ready to turn the corner. The 2024 NBA Draft feels like a success for the Toronto Raptors early on.