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In the competitive landscape of basketball, players often navigate varying roles within their teams. Jonathan Mogbo, a power forward measuring six feet nine inches, exemplifies this adaptability as he transitions between the Toronto Raptors and their G-League affiliate, the Raptors 905. This season, Mogbo’s journey has involved significant shifts in playing time and responsibilities, yet he remains committed and enthusiastic.
Recently, Mogbo expressed appreciation for the opportunities he has received, stating, “I love it, can’t complain. I’m grateful to be here. I’m grateful to have these opportunities and play the game that I love. It’s fun.” This reflects his positive outlook despite fluctuations in his playing time compared to the previous season.
The facts
As the current season unfolds, Mogbo has experienced a notable decrease in his minutes with the Raptors. Heading into a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, he averaged only 4.9 minutes across nine games. This marks a stark contrast from last year, when he regularly played over 20 minutes per game due to team injuries, contributing an average of 1.6 rebounds, 0.9 points, 0.7 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 0.1 steals per outing during the 2025-26 season.
In contrast, Mogbo’s performance with the Raptors 905 has been outstanding. In the G-League, he is a regular starter, logging approximately 29.1 minutes per game over eight outings. His contributions include a commendable average of 14.9 points, leading the team with eight rebounds, alongside 3.5 assists, 1.1 blocks, and an impressive 2.1 steals per game.
Showcasing defensive versatility
Mogbo’s defensive skills are a significant asset for both teams. He highlights his capability to guard opponents across multiple positions, stating, “Most people think I guard fours and fives, but I can switch one through five.” This adaptability has benefited his teams and allowed him to showcase his skills against some of the top players in the G-League.
Commitment to improvement and teamwork
Amid his busy schedule, which often includes transitioning between games for the Raptors and Raptors 905, Mogbo embraces the grind. In just 24 hours, he played for both teams, demonstrating his dedication to the sport. After a close loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, he quickly suited up for the 905, significantly contributing to their victory over the Capital City Go-Go.
Toronto’s head coach, Darko Rajakovic, commended Mogbo’s commitment, stating, “It’s a privilege that all of us get to work in the NBA and to have an opportunity to play basketball games. You go on assignment and play with the 905; take it seriously, it’s your opportunity to work on your craft, or your opportunity to show your improvement and opportunity to compete ” This acknowledgment underscores the importance of dedication in professional sports.
Balancing life as a professional athlete
Mogbo’s approach to balancing his responsibilities is straightforward. He emphasizes the necessity of rest, saying, “Getting a lot of sleep when the opportunity presents itself, getting home, doing what I’ve got to do, going to sleep early, waking up early.” This disciplined routine resembles the early morning games often seen in college basketball or AAU competitions, facilitating a smoother transition for him.
Jonathan Mogbo’s journey with the Toronto Raptors and Raptors 905 highlights the challenges and rewards of being a versatile player in professional basketball. His unwavering commitment to improvement, paired with his adaptability, renders him a valuable asset to both teams as he continues to pursue his passion for the game.