Markquis Nowell might be diminutive in stature, but his game is anything but small.
The sentiment itself might seem a bit cliche, but early returns suggest that Toronto's newest undrafted two-way player won't let his size be a detriment to making an impact at the next level. In fact, Nowell has been one of the few bright spots for a Raptors team that has had a largely uninspiring start to the NBA 2K24 Summer League in Las Vegas.
In his first-ever action in a Raptors uniform, Nowell didn't waste much time making his presence felt. Within the game's opening moments, Nowell dished one of his signature assists, setting up a Moses Brown dunk out of a pick-and-roll.
Get up then @MosesBrown_ 👀 pic.twitter.com/5LKcQX5wts
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 7, 2023
After electrifying all of college basketball with his flashy passing during the NCAA Tournament, Nowell picked up right where he left off to start Summer League action — he ultimately dished out five assists and several other potential assists that teammates were unable to convert.
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Nowell's passing was one thing, but his scoring was another. While his numbers tailed off in Toronto's second Summer League game, he scored a team-high 17 points in the opener, going 6-of-12 from the field and 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, which is especially impressive considering one miss was an end-of-clock heave.
Of all his scoring plays, Nowell's and-one reverse layup was the biggest highlight. Given how difficult it was, it's understandable that this one got the most press.
MAN HES DIFFF @MrNewYorkCityy ✨ pic.twitter.com/avWagPBdbq
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 8, 2023
The finish itself is representative of the type of heart Nowell brings to this Raptors team. The chip that he plays with allows him to confidently throw cross-court dimes, finish among the trees, and successfully thwart 2-on-1 fast breaks with effort alone.
Yeah, Nowell is fun.
"I’m secure in myself," Nowell said of his height. "And I play the game a different way from every (other) 5-7 point guard. So I just got to play with a chip on my shoulder and (when there’s a doubt), revert back to my training.
"I put in a lot of work, a lot of hours behind the scenes. So I’m comfortable with saying I’m 5-7.”
Impressive as Nowell has been, he will undoubtedly have his work cut out for him as an undersized guard, especially as he works to make an impact on the NBA level with the Raptors, who are in need of steady guard play.
MORE: Fred VanVleet reveals how tough it was to choose Rockets over Raptors
During March Madness, I analyzed some of Nowell's weaknesses, many of which derive from his size. Defensively, he will have issues with bigger guards. On offense, NBA-level rim protectors will deter him from finishing around the rim and the length of some of the NBA's guards will disrupt Nowell's ability to get the team into some offensive actions.
Just last season, only three players listed under 6 feet took the floor for an NBA game, though a number of players listed at exactly 6 feet saw plenty of action, including Raptor legend Kyle Lowry.
Historically speaking, the Raptors have a familiarity with undersized guards that dates back to the franchise's inception. In addition to Lowry and the 6-foot-1 Fred VanVleet, 5-foot-10 Damon Stoudamire and 5-foot-3 Muggsy Bogues are among the players to have suited up for Toronto.
In many ways, it would be poetic for Nowell to be the next in line, especially after VanVleet's departure.
The rarity of impactful undersized guards in the league shows just what type of battle Nowell is facing, but as the Raptors look to build for the future, he has the intangibles — and heart — of a player that can add so much to a team's culture.
His two-way contract is the first step. Look for Nowell to continue to build upon his opportunity to truly become a difference-maker for the franchise in the future.
