The Toronto Raptors continue evaluating their rotation as the season moves into its second half. Development, defensive identity, and bench stability all remain priorities. Within that context, Alijah Martin has quietly built a case for a larger role. His energy, defensive intensity, and transition impact offer tools Toronto can use immediately, not just in the future.
Increasing Martin’s minutes would not simply reward effort. It could address several practical needs for the Raptors as they push toward consistency.
Why Alijah Martin Should See More Minutes in Season’s 2nd Half
Defensive Energy That Changes Possessions
Martin’s most immediate value comes on the defensive end. He pressures ball handlers, fights through screens, and contests without hesitation. Toronto’s system relies heavily on activity and switching, and Martin naturally fits that style.
When he is on the floor, possessions rarely feel static. He forces quicker decisions from opponents and helps create turnovers or rushed shots. Even when he does not record a steal, his presence often disrupts rhythm. For a team that has struggled at times to maintain defensive intensity with bench units, that type of pressure can shift momentum.
More minutes would allow Toronto to sustain defensive energy deeper into games rather than relying almost entirely on starters to set the tone.
Transition Impact and Pace
Martin also helps Toronto play faster. He runs the floor consistently, fills lanes in transition, and attacks before defenses are fully set. That matters for a Raptors team that looks most comfortable when it generates offense from movement rather than isolation.
Bench units sometimes slow down offensively, especially against physical teams. Martin’s willingness to push the pace can prevent those stagnant stretches. Even a few extra transition opportunities per game can ease scoring pressure and improve overall offensive flow.
This does not require plays designed specifically for him. His value comes from how he moves within the system.
Physicality and Rotational Balance
Another argument for expanding Martin’s role is his physical approach. He competes on rebounds, absorbs contact, and does not shy away from defensive assignments against stronger players. That physicality complements Toronto’s longer, more versatile lineups.
As the season progresses, managing workload and maintaining lineup balance becomes more important. Giving Martin steady minutes could help stabilize bench rotations and reduce reliance on heavy starter minutes. It also provides coaching staff with another dependable defensive option in late-game situations.
Consistency in his role would likely improve his offensive confidence as well, allowing him to contribute more decisively rather than playing in short, uncertain bursts.
Development That Matches Team Timeline
Toronto’s current phase requires evaluating players who can contribute both now and long term. Martin fits that profile. His defensive habits already translate to NBA rotations, and his offensive game can grow with experience.
More minutes in the second half of the season would give the organization clearer data on how he performs in larger roles. That evaluation matters for future roster decisions and for building a reliable bench identity.
The opportunity is not about potential alone. It is about seeing whether his existing strengths can consistently impact winning basketball.
A Practical Opportunity for Expanded Minutes
Expanding Martin’s role does not mean forcing dramatic lineup changes. It simply means recognizing where his skill set already fills real needs: defensive pressure, transition activity, and physical bench play.
If the Raptors want more energy from their second unit and a stronger defensive presence across all rotations, giving Martin additional opportunities in the second half of the season is a logical step. His style aligns with the team’s identity, and the remaining schedule offers the right window to test that impact in meaningful situations.
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