Toronto Raptors draft: 4 Pac-12 prospects that Toronto could pick in the 2021 NBA Draft

Despite all of the hyped recruits in this conference, it was a comparative greybeard in Duarte that had one of the most impressive seasons of any player in the conference. After he helped lead the Ducks to an upset of Luka Garza and Iowa in the tournament, the country became aware of how talented he is on both ends of the floor.

The 6-6 Duarte, named an All-Pac-12 and All-Defensive team selection, averaged 17.1 points per game this year, making 53% of his shots and 42% of his 3-point attempts. Duarte might not have the most varied offensive game right now, but he could carve out a role for himself in Toronto.

How would Chris Duarte help the Toronto Raptors?

Duarte will likely be picked near the end of the first round, as the fact that he is already 23 might limit his potential upside. However, that might actually benefit the Raptors, who could trade up into the second half of the first round in order to nab the former Duck and turn him into a shooter off of the bench.

In a year that has seen the likes of DeAndre’ Bembry take on the role of first guard off of the bench at times, the Raptors need another scorer that can be trusted to average close to double-digits on the back of a sweet shot. Given Duarte’s skill on the defensive end, he might be able to help the Raptors fill that void.