Raptors draft: 3 Big East prospects who can help Toronto

David Duke, SG, Providence

Duke is a strong, athletic combo-guard at 6’5 with a 6’8 wingspan, an off-ball switchblade who can really get moving on the break. The jumper drops, despite its slightly unorthodox motion. He’s been at around 39% from deep and 80% from the line this year so the production is there.

He’s got great strength and speed in space, all the athletic tools coaches want from a 2-guard, but he’s not so comfortable with the ball in his hands yet. Like a young OG Anunoby (and sometimes an old OG Anunoby), Duke’s athleticism disappears with the ball in his hands. His acceleration is nixed, he turns the ball over, and he becomes much more predictable scoring.

Already at 22 years old, Duke’s lack of polish might turn some GMs off from drafting him come July. Duke may seem raw, and at 22 some might begin to think a lack of refinement means a lack of ability, but that’s not the case here.

Duke only starting taking basketball seriously during his junior year of high school. Until then he was a 3-sport athlete focusing primarily on soccer, football, and track and field. Raw draft prospects with a similar story have become stars before, with Joel Embiid a prime example.

With that in mind, Duke’s developmental pace starts to look a lot more promising.  From his freshman year to his junior year, Duke has more than doubled his scoring, rebounding, and assist numbers, and despite being a little older than his fellow draftmates, he has far fewer years of experience under his belt.

Projected:  23-33
Player comp:  Norman Powell