The Toronto Raptors should look to trade up in the draft to select Isaac Okoro

NBA Draft: How Isaac Okoro would fit with the Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors could use Norman Powell and the no. 29 picks in this year’s draft as a starting point for negotiations. Ultimately, a trade may also require one or two future second-round picks.

Powell has two years left on his contract, including a player option for 2021-22. He emerged in a larger role for the Raptors this season. In 26 games as a starter, Powell averaged 18.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.

Both the Pistons and Suns project to have cap space available this offseason. Either team could absorb Powell’s contract without sending out anything in return. For the Pistons, Powell could slot in as the team’s starting two-guard. Out in Phoenix, Powell would have a similar role as with the Raptors, providing a scoring punch off the bench.

Given everything that Powell was able to accomplish this past season, fans may be wondering why would the Raptors want to give him up?

The main reason is that the Raptors (like a number of teams) have their sights set on the summer of 2021 when a certain two-time MVP can become a free agent. After signing Pascal Siakam to a max contract and new deals likely coming for Anunoby and VanVleet, the Raptors may not have the cap space available to keep Powell.

As such, it makes sense to move Powell while his trade value is at an all-time high. Moving him now would allow the Raptors to add another strong defensive player. One who would fit perfectly into a lineup that already features Siakam and Anunoby. It would give Toronto perhaps the best perimeter defense in the entire Association.

Adding a player like Okoro would give the Raptors more size on the wing. The team currently starts VanVleet and Kyle Lowry in the backcourt. The Raptors struggled in their second-round matchup against the Celtics due to the number of long, athletic players Brad Stevens had at his disposal.

Versatile wing players have become the most valuable commodity in the modern NBA. A team can never have too many switchable players, capable of playing multiple positions. Okoro has the tools to become one such player.

The Raptors have also had success with helping players become better shooters. As such, they may not have the same concerns as another team when it comes to selecting a player like Okoro.

Perhaps the best example is Pascal Siakam. Early in his career almost all of Siakam’s shot attempts were in the paint. He shot seven 3s as a rookie. But with time and a lot of hard work, that has slowly changed. This past season, Siakam took 365 and hit them at almost a 36 percent clip.

By adding a player like Okoro, the Raptors would be adding a high floor prospect, with a huge upside. At worst, Okoro can carve out a role as a defensive stopper. Best case scenario, Okoro can develop into a coveted two-way wing.

Okoro would be stepping into an optimal situation with the Toronto Raptors. It is similar to Leonard or Butler early in their respective careers. He would be joining a perennial playoff team that would give him time to improve and develop.

If the coaching staff is confident they can improve Okoro’s shot, then the Toronto Raptors would be adding one of the best two-way players in the draft. With his physical tools and athleticism, Okoro is someone who could be a starter in the league for years to come.