Toronto Raptors: The Raptors should consider drafting these prospects

Draft a consistent scorer Tyler Bey six-foot-seven pf

The Toronto Raptors need consistent scoring.  They get plenty of points off of their defense, on the fast break, and from three-point shooting as well. When those open threes are not available, and the team is forced to set up in the half-court, they seem to struggle.

The second-round series against the Boston Celtics illustrated this concern several times. Once Boston’s coach Brad Stevens had the time to devote to devising defensive schemes designed to stopping Pascal Siakam combined with little to no offense from Marc Gasol, the Raptors could not overcome their offensive inconsistencies.

Game 5 of that series was perhaps the most frustrating illustration of this concern.  The Raptors turned the basketball over five times in the first 8:53 seconds of the game. They also only shot 2/15 from the field for 5 points in their first 18 possessions and scored only 11 points in the first quarter.

There is also the classic double-overtime win Toronto secured in game six of the same series to tie the series 3-3 and force game seven.  While they won 125-122, the Raptors failed to score a point in the final 4:24 of regulation time.

A player with the pedigree of Eric Paschall, whom the Golden State Warriors drafted last year, would be a bonus for the Toronto Raptors. Tyler Bey may fit the mold, or he could turn into another OG Anunoby.  Anunoby is outstanding defensively, but his offensive skills leave you wishing he would do more.

In Tyler Bey’s case, if the Raptors drafted him, he is a six-foot-seven power forward with some offensive potential. He has averaged 13.6 and then 13.8 points per game for the University of Colorado each of the last two seasons. However, in year three at the Collegiate level, his scoring leveled out. If he can improve on his offensive skills, he could be a younger star that provides Toronto with that consistent scorer they need.

While Bey didn’t take many three-pointers in 2020 (he made 13/31), he shot it at 42 percent.  He was also a 54.5 percent from the field on the season.  When you also realize he stole the ball 1.5 times per game and averaged 1.2 blocks per game, visions of Tyler Bey and OG Anunoby defending wing players on the perimeter flash before your eyes.

Tyler Bey might have been hindered offensively by his college team’s philosophy of playing the game, but his skill set is one that would fit the Toronto Raptors identity just fine.