Title: Raptors’ 30th player of season, Malik Williams, their unlikeliest yet
Date: April 3, 2024
Original Source: Sportsnet
Synopsis: In my latest at Sportsnet, I wrote about new Raptors 10-day signing Malik Williams, his unlikely path to the NBA, and his role in the worst loss in franchise history.
The “welcome to the NBA” moment could not have come any sooner for Malik Williams.
On the first offensive possession of his NBA career Wednesday, Williams set a screen for Gradey Dick, rolled to the rim, received a pass, and went up for a layup. He was met by All-Defensive Team candidate Jaden McDaniels, the co-anchor of the league’s best defence, who promptly swatted Williams’ shot away. Signed by the Raptors to a 10-day contract earlier that day, Williams was 0-for-1 in an instant, the jump he’s trying to make from the G League to the NBA presented stark and immediate.
In another way, though, that moment came far sooner than anyone could have anticipated years, months, or even weeks ago. In a season where the Raptors have now played 30 different players – a franchise record and one shy of Memphis’ NBA record, also set this year – nobody’s ascension to this level is unlikelier than that of Williams.
Blake Murphy Sports Writing 