Potential Toronto Raptors draft pick Josh Christopher earned mixed reviews

The Toronto Raptors draft plans have changed slightly after their recent hot streak, but that doesn’t necessarily change the fact that they are looking for immediate contributors off of the bench with their first-round pick. Arizona State’s Josh Christopher remains a potential target for Toronto if they end up making it to the postseason.

Christopher chose to link up with Bobby Hurley and the Sun Devils, and the former Top-15 recruit put on a show by averaging 14.3 points per game on 43% shooting and 4.7 rebounds per contest. Given his raw athletic ability, Christopher could be an All-Star if his gifts are properly nurtured.

Christopher is a first-round talent based solely on his potential, as he can get to the rim with ease and is a quality defender, but his stock has been slipping of late, with neither ESPN nor The Athletic (subscription required) ranking him as a top-25 player.

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman confirmed that his sliding stock is very much a real thing, as he claimed that Christopher is likely going to be picked somewhere in the late first-round or early second round. Furthermore, one scout quoted in Wasserman’s piece described Christopher as “all sizzle, no steak,” which is a damning report.

Toronto Raptors draft: Josh Christopher strengths

This kid was a top recruit for a reason, and his best games of the season have shown that he can be a game-changer when he is unleased properly. A solid scorer off the dribble with a quick first step for someone that will be a guard-wing hybrid at the next level, Christopher can attack the rim, pull up from mid-range, finish from all sorts of funky angles.

His offensive potential, should he fix his jump shot, is mouth-watering.

On the other end of the floor, there is also a ton to like about his game. A physical defender who displays the required effort and versatility that you’d like to see, Christopher is adept at getting steals, rebounding, and getting his team out in transition. He’s raw, certainly, but not so raw he needs G League time.

Toronto Raptors draft: Josh Christopher weaknesses

Christopher plays offense like a supermarket careening down a ski slope at breakneck speeds, sending pastries flying everywhere. On top of the fact that he shoots just 30% from 3-point range, he often takes very poor shots with multiple defenders draped over him. That style of play and inefficiency is a recipe for missed shots and crushing turnovers at the professional level.

Christopher is a solid defender, especially on quicker guards, but he is prone to some lapses that will allow opponents to streak right by him. Christopher is not the best ball-handler or passer in the world despite how often he handles the ball, and that face could limit his potential upside

How would potential Toronto Raptors draft pick Josh Christopher fit?

Assuming that Kyle Lowry leaves for a championship contender and Gary Trent Jr. slides into the rotation full-time, Christopher will likely be one of the first men off of the bench, especially if Toronto moves around in the draft and selects him in the first round. As a rookie, expect plenty of contributions early on.

Christopher will need to learn to be less ball-dominant and work on his shot selection. On a Raptors team that has enough scorers, he can learn the principles of passing while using his athletic ability to guard multiple positions on the defensive end.

Christopher might be more sizzle than steak in the eyes of some, but the Raptors could turn this raw player into a delectable porterhouse at some point over the course of his career.