2021 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: What if the Toronto Raptors make the playoffs?

The Raptors ending up at pick No. 15 gives them a crack at a player like Williams, who left Stanford after one season knowing that hid 6-8, 185-pound frame might turn off some teams. However, his two-way potential is as good as any wing in this class, and Toronto could end up as the perfect place for him. 

2021 NBA Mock Draft: How would Ziaire Williams help the Toronto Raptors?

Williams might not be the best shooter, who better to help him with that than shot doctor Nick Nurse? With tremendous defensive ability and a very high basketball IQ, we could see Williams competing for Sixth Man of the Year in short order. With his speed and ability to finish, starting in his first two years wouldn’t be an extraordinary situation.

Bouknight is a bit all over the place in terms of his draft stock, but his ideal range is likely around this area given how effortlessly he can score the basketball. Surrounding the outside-inside combo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. with shooters is imperative for Memphis, and Bouknight could start off his NBA career off in tremendous form thanks to a lethal Grizzlies offense.

Theo Maledon has had his moments, but he hasn’t done much to convince Oklahoma City not to find a replacement in this draft. On a team without a ton of great defenders, Mitchell can lock down on the perimeter while showing off a much-improved jumper. A Mitchell, Johnson, and Gilgeous-Alexander core would cement three starters for the next five years, at least.

A former top recruit who proved his quality on the court in Knoxville, Boston chooses to add even more backcourt depth in Springer. With Kemba Walker ready to break down any day, Springer represents a slightly better alternative than Payton Pritchard given his speed, vision, and improved shooting, all of which could help the Celtics.

The Rockets continue to add to their backcourt, this time adding more shooting and experience in the form of a former Pac-12 Player of the Year in Duarte. While the 23-year-old might have a limited ceiling given his age, Duarte’s defense and shooting keyed an impressive tournament run for the Ducks, and he could help Houston build for the future if he clicks.

Christopher will not be everyone’s cup of tea considering how raw he is on the offensive end, but the former top recruit is one of the best athletes in this class and still offers a whole untapped reservoir of talent. Atlanta’s starting lineup is mostly set in stone, so why not take a risk and select a long-term gamble like Christopher?

The Knicks go international here, nabbing the Aussie point guard based on his unique offensive potential. At 6-7 with a tremendous handle, 3-point shot, and ability to find the open man, Giddey should be able to overcome his athletic deficiencies and become a valuable part of a Knicks backcourt that still needs a long-term solution at point guard.