The Toronto Raptors are entering the new season with a noticeably different second unit, featuring a mix of young but seasoned players and a clear defensive identity. This revamped bench signals a promising depth for the Raptors, offering an opportunity to become a meaningful strength for the team this year, although it is too soon to compare it to past legends.
Norman Powell, a key player during the Raptors’ historic 2017–18 bench run, underscored how special that lineup was. The original “Bench Mob,” which included Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, Jakob Poeltl, Delon Wright, CJ Miles, and Powell himself, was known not just for supporting but often outplaying starters, contributing significantly to one of the franchise’s best regular seasons.
Reflecting on the Iconic 2017–18 Bench Mob
Powell emphasized that the original bench’s success was deeply tied to the unique blend of experience and leadership within the group. “That group was so special,” he said during a recent event in Toronto.
“You look at the players then and where we’re at now. I mean, it’s hard to recreate that. I think for us, what made it so special was the experience, not just NBA years, but just life experience. You got older guys, guys that stayed four years, undrafted, … and CJ coming in from Indiana, having that veteran presence off the bench. … It’s hard to recreate that.”
That mix of tenured players and rising talent created a cohesive unit renowned for their competitiveness, defensive intensity, and ability to swing momentum. Their energy and trademark swagger resonated with the city, making the Bench Mob a lasting cultural phenomenon in Toronto sports history.
New Bench Features a Blend of Experience and Emerging Leaders
This season’s Raptors bench roster incorporates some similar traits, blending young players with multiple years of college experience and defensive focus. Jamal Shead and Jonathan Mogbo are entering their sophomore seasons, having spent four years in college, which adds refinement to their game. Ja’Kobe Walter returns for his second year after an impressive late-season stretch following his one-and-done year at Baylor.
Another returning player, Gradey Dick, now in his third season, brings additional depth after starting games last year. The Raptors’ rookie ninth overall pick, Collin Murray-Boyles, joins after two years with South Carolina, while Alijah Martin arrives fresh off a national championship-winning career at Florida. To bring veteran leadership, Toronto signed 26-year-old Sandro Mamukelashvili, aiming to strengthen a bench still in transition.
Challenges and Signs of Progress From Last Season’s Reserve Unit
Despite the potential, last season’s bench statistics reflected the struggles of development, with a -3.1 net rating ranking among the weakest in the league. This was partly due to a strategic focus on player growth during the final stretch of the season. However, at the Summer League, the unit showed encouraging signs by going undefeated in round robin play, driven by their defense-first approach. Scoring remains a challenge, but the foundation for competitive minutes off the bench is beginning to take shape.
Norman Powell Reflects on the Impact and Legacy of the Bench Mob
Powell recalled the moment when the original bench group realized their impact was extraordinary.
“When you put our bench in and still compete with some of the top starting units in the league, and we would still keep pace, or we’d go on a huge run to be the difference of the game, I think that’s when you start to realize, like, this is something special,”
he explained.
Their influence extended beyond the court, creating a movement with their own handshakes, T-shirts, and an undeniable swagger that energized the Toronto fanbase. Powell confidently ranked his group among the best benches in NBA history.
“I’ll have to go back and look at some benches in NBA history, but I think so. I would put us up there within the top three, top five of all time, for sure.”
Setting Realistic Expectations for the Current Raptors Bench
While the new bench lineup carries promise, the comparison to the legendary Bench Mob sets an almost unreachable standard. Like comparing any emerging scorer to Michael Jordan, the current group may grow into a formidable unit but expecting them to replicate that legendary success is unrealistic.
For now, the objective is more modest: establishing a bench that can reliably compete, maintain leads, and provide valuable rest for the starters. After several seasons searching for consistent depth, achieving this balance would represent a meaningful step forward for Toronto’s roster.