Toronto Raptors NBA Mock Draft 1.0: What if Toronto gets the No. 7 pick?

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 18: James Bouknight #2 of the Connecticut Huskies (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 18: James Bouknight #2 of the Connecticut Huskies (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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James Bouknight, NBA Mock Draft
NEWARK, NJ – MARCH 03: James Bouknight #2 of the Connecticut Huskies (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

James Bouknight. player. 81. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. SG. UConn. 7

Powell might be gone, but the Raptors have the chance to potentially draft a very similar player in Bouknight, who averaged 18.7 points and 5.7 rebounds from the shooting guard position for UConn last season.

Bouknight’s best traits are his explosiveness, which will help him attack the basket and make some slick passes off of penetrations at the next level. On defense, Bouknight is well above-average, using his lateral mobility to guard point guards and smaller wings. Bouknight has the ability to start right away, should he improve his shooting.

Toronto Raptors NBA Mock Draft: James Bouknight could turn into a star

While Bouknight’s shooting from long range went down the drain this season, he still projects as a quality shooter at the next level given what a smooth operator he is. Even if he ends up on the bench to start, he should instantly become Toronto’s top reserve before assuming a starting role in his second year.

Rather than reach for a big man or trade down, the Raptors can add another member to their already talented backcourt. Even if Trent comes back to Toronto, Bouknight could be a member of the backcourt rotation for years to come, though his star potential will be determined by his ability to improve his shot.