Toronto Raptors draft: Grading B/R’s 3 “realistic” prospects for Toronto

The Toronto Raptors draft plans could potentially destabilize the entire draft for the rest of the league. Currently in possession of the No. 8 pick in the draft, the Raptors will try to either add a potential ace reserve, new starting center, or point guard who will likely replace Kyle Lowry.

The Raptors could draft a new center this year, but there is a huge drop-off in talent after USC’s Evan Mobley. They could draft a point guard, but can’t Fred VanVleet just move over? This is a genuinely fascinating move that could upset the natural order of the draft, and it is compounded by a generally secretive organization in Toronto.

The Raptors will likely not let anything slip about their intentions until the very last possible second, meaning that Toronto’s most impactful draft pick in a decade will be cloaked in secrecy. Despite that, there are several holes on this team that they could look to fill in the draft by drafting a high-upside player.

Bleacher Report listed three “realistic” draft targets for the Raptors given their expected lottery selection. They settled on a versatile Florida State power forward, a national champion point guard, and a potential 3-and-D star who could contribute off of the bench in his first season.

Toronto Raptors draft pick No. 1: Scottie Barnes, PF/PG, Florida State

Barnes has been a frequent mock draft selection for the Raptors, as the 6-9 point guard/forward hybrid is too enticing a piece, in the eyes of the media, for the Raptors to pass up. Given his mismatch potential on both ends on the floor, the fit makes sense.

Unfortunately, Barnes is coming off a disappointing season with the Seminoles given how hyped up he was as a prospect. His shooting was exposed as a major flaw, and he is too versatile for his own good, which could impact his NBA floor.

Barnes is a complete wild card in this draft, as he could be a traditional power forward or a mismatch at the point guard spot. With so much uncertainty around his projection, there are better options for Toronto.

Grade: B

Toronto Raptors draft pick No. 2: Davion Mitchell, PG, Baylor

Mitchell helped the Bears pick up a national title, as the combination of him and Jared Butler in the backcourt was too much for Gonzaga to handle. While his ability to play amazing defense and shoot the lights out, Mitchell might not be the best fit in Toronto.

With VanVleet and Malachi Flynn returning next year, and with a Kyle Lowry return still very much in the cards, Mitchell might struggle for playing time early on. With a questionable ability to create his own shot, there are some concerns about his offensive ceiling.

Mitchell will be a tremendous NBA player with a low floor, but the Raptors are packed to the brim with young, undersized, two-way guards, making this pick a bit redundant.

Grade: B+

Toronto Raptors draft pick No. 3: Keon Johnson, SG, Tennessee

Johnson’s stock has been rising in the last few weeks, and it’s easy to see why. Johnson might not be the best shooter, but Johnson will stone you on the perimeter. His ability to get stops on defense and demolish the rim if he gets a head start should help him become one of the best low-floor players in this class.

Johnson’s shooting issues will impact his game, but Toronto couldn’t ask for a better bench player to play on the wing. Imagine if instead of being a great shooter, Gary Trent Jr. had a superhuman vertical and the speed to blitz through the lane with ease. If the shot comes, Johnson will be an All-Star, plain and simple.

Johnson could be a quality pick for the Raptors, as they can give him enough playing to get some experience in the pros and learn how to correct his mistakes without trying to shoehorn the rookie into the starting lineup amid their playoff chase.

Grade: A-