Toronto Raptors draft: 4 Pac-12 prospects that Toronto could pick in the 2021 NBA Draft
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors draft plans for 2021 could go in several different directions depending on how this wacky season finishes up. With the lottery looking more likely with each passing game, the Raptors could be in the market for a potential franchise-changer if they get one of the top picks. Adding some Pac-12 draft prospects might be a very prudent idea for the Raptors.
After years of disappointing in March, the conference saw USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Oregon State all make it to the Sweet 16 this tournament. While the conference came into the tournament with a bunch of NBA prospects, this success only helped crystallize that there are plenty of first-round players out west.
The Raptors could be in need of a new starting center, point guard depth off of the bench, and a bench shooter that can breathe new life into the second unit.
With three draft picks this year after acquiring two second-round selections at the trade deadline, Masai Ujiri should be all geared up and ready to add at least one of these four studs to their talented roster.
These 4 Pac-12 prospects could all become Toronto Raptors draft picks
518. Pick Analysis. SG. UCLA. Scouting Report. Johnny Juzang. 4. player
No player helped their stock more than Juzang, who went from an afterthought at Kentucky to a quality starter for the Bruins to author of one of the greatest NCAA Tournament performances in NBA history.
Juzang, who averaged 16.0 points per game in his first season under Mick Cronin back home in California, averaged 22.8 points per game in a magical tournament run that saw the 11-seed Bruins end up in the Final Four and narrowly knock off a previously undefeated Gonzaga team. After his March run highlighted his scoring, his draft stock has risen through the roof.
How would Johnny Juzang help the Toronto Raptors?
Juzang, should he declare, will likely be picked in the top half of the second round, as there are too many concerns about his defense and lack of tremendous athletic ability. If those concerns cause him to fall a bit, the Raptors could scoop him up later in the draft, making him an ideal backup wing.
Juzang might remind some of Raptors legend Malachi Richardson, who declared for the NBA before he was ready following his Final Four run at Syracuse. Despite that, Juzang has shown skill with regard to putting the ball in the basket, and that should help a Raptors team looking for scoring depth off of the bench.