Raptors vs. Heat Preview: Fringe Players and Rookies Compete for Playing Time; Heat’s Rookie Center Veal is Anticipated

On July 20, the NBA Summer League continues with a game between the Miami Heat and the Toronto Raptors.

The Toronto Raptors selected perimeter player Jacobi Walter in the first round (19th overall) and power forward Mobo in the second round (31st overall) in this year’s draft. In their last game, the Raptors lost to the Utah Jazz 76-86. Only Liberty, who scored 24 points, reached double figures for the Raptors. Jacobi Walter made just 2 of 10 shots for 9 points, while Achiuwa made 4 of 9 shots for 9 points.

The 13th pick in the 2023 draft, Diakite, was supposed to be the core of the Raptors’ summer league team, but the second-year player, who averaged 8.5 points in 60 games last season, sprained his ankle mid-game against the Nuggets and missed the last game against the Jazz.

In this year’s draft, the Miami Heat selected center Veal, who stands at 7 feet tall, with the 15th pick in the first round, and later acquired 44th pick Larson through a trade.

In their last game, the Heat beat the Dallas Mavericks 92-79 to secure their third consecutive win in the summer league. Veal shot an efficient 9 of 12 for 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Larson scored 13 points, undrafted Isaiah Stevens had 12 points and 8 assists, while Swider and Aundre Hyatt both scored 9 points.

In summary, the two teams are evenly matched in terms of strength. The clash between first-round picks Veal and Jacobi Walter is one of the few highlights, particularly as Veal, who has been consistently solid, is generating some anticipation.

Raptors roster: #0 Liberty, #1 Diakite, #2 Mogbo, #3 Carlton, #12 Timi, #14 Walter, #16 Gaye, #21 Gillard, #22 Shomsh, #23 Sheed, #30 Achiuwa, #31 Disu, #32 Perry, #35 Carlson, #44 Omari Moore, #77 Bittle

Heat roster: #7 Veal, #9 LaSon, #15 Aundre Williams, #17 Prince, #20 KJ Johnson, #21 Swider, #44 Gabe Brown, #50 Isaiah Stevens, #51 Bryson Warren, #52 Warren Washington, #53 Christopher, #54 Caleb Daniels, #57 JC Butler, #59 Saco, #11 Harkless

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