As the Toronto Raptors approach the end of their challenging 2020-21 campaign, the focus becomes on what the team will do during the offseason. The Eastern Conference’s 12th seeded Raptors have struggled this season but, the pot of gold at the end of the Raptors draft rainbow might be a G League star in Jalen Green.
Due to Toronto’s struggles this year, the draft lottery may result in the Raptors landing one of the top spots within the order. Plenty of Raptors Fans have petitioned for an Evan Mobley selection in the first round. but, teams like the Thunder, Pistons, or Rockets may alter those plans by swooping in and taking Mobley early on draft night.
Let’s continue this hypothetical and say Mobley is off the board before Toronto’s pick, which is very likely to happen. This would encourage Bobby Webster and Masai Ujiri to simply take the best available player off the board, neglecting a ‘team need’ pick. This could help Green end up in Toronto.
The Raptors have the seventh-best odds at landing the first overall pick in the upcoming draft. It’s likely the Raptors won’t be in a position to take Green in the top 10 but, Raptors fans should keep the hope alive.
I feel like Jalen Green is going to be really good in the NBA, and I desperately need the Raptors to get him, Cade, or Mobley
— Bye GRo 💨 (@HeadbandGTJ) May 13, 2021
Jalen Green could be perfect for the Toronto Raptors.
What would likely have to happen is a move into the top five via a trade. Green, who bypassed playing in the NCAA in favor of the NBA G League in 2020 after being a No.1 prospect in high school at Prolific Prep in California, hasn’t lost one ounce of hype despite the unusual G League season.
No matter where he ended up playing, he’s undoubtedly been worthy of being in the discussion of best players in the 2021 NBA Draft and is a guaranteed top-five selection. The Raptors have to be salivating when they flip on his film.
Toronto Raptors draft: Jalen Green strengths
If he somehow manages to fall a bit further down the board, Green would provide an instant impact offensively. At 6-6 and 180-pounds, the 2-guard features consistent slashing tendencies.
As one of the quickest prospects coming out this year, Green’s swift feet cover a lot of space on the court and continuously forces opponents to be willing to run since Green is willing to move to open spaces without the ball. He puts emphasis on being an athletic specimen.
He’s fast on and off the ball but he knows how to manage that speed with changes of pace and understanding of the floor while cutting. We’ve seen how well he uses his first step as he can get to the rim when he must. Many believe he needs to still add size yet, Green still has solid body control.
Jalen Green is a plus athlete who could help the Toronto Raptors.
Along with his natural athletic style, Green is an able scorer of the basketball. He’s played the role of the most reliable scorer on this season’s Ignite team by leading the group in points per game at 17.9 on 46.1% from the field.
His free throw shooting is another strength, currently hitting at an 82.9% rate from the line. His elite scoring from the midrange and perimeter must be respected by defenses. Via both “pick and pop” and becoming a range extender while in rhythm, he clearly has the ability to put points on the board.
Green can get to the rim as a powerful high flyer. Embracing contact not only helps in the paint but, his length and wingspan allow him to hit shots over defenders in traffic.
Toronto Raptors draft: Jalen Green weaknesses
Green is a raw talent who can use more time and experience to improve his overall game. He has a strong case of being the best pure scorer in this draft class. Although he can get his shot from anywhere, an area of emphasis will be shot selection.
There are occasions of him making the wrong decisions shooting-wise. He’s a streaky shooter who will take a lot of chances, regardless of it being a good shot or a difficult shot. He plays too out of control at times, which could lead to a tough adjustment to the NBA.
Jalen Green needs to slow down on offense.
Sometimes he takes the tougher, contested jumper rather than picking up an easier two points. Despite it being a strength, he can always work on continuing to improve his shot from beyond the arc. As time goes on, he’ll refine his choices when putting the ball up.
With his game being more offensive-oriented, there are certain possessions of negligence on the defensive side of the ball. His length and quickness are beneficial as he’s a good enough perimeter defender to help out any team.
With that being said, it would help mightily if he encourages himself to be just as consistent on the defensive side of the ball as he is on offense. Developing a ceaseless motor on the defensive side of the ball will be key towards improving his NBA stock.
How would Jalen Green fit on the Toronto Raptors?
Green has numerous tools that indicate he’ll eventually be a star at the next level. He has a good feel for the game, and when he puts all of his offensive upsides together with improved defensive skill, the sky is the limit for him.
Toronto has a nice nucleus of players under 30 years old who can lead the charge in the coming years. The future core includes Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Chris Boucher, and Malachi Flynn to name a few. We’ll have to wait and see what the offseason has in store for Gary Trent Jr.
Nevertheless, Green would be a significant addition to this group, specifically due to how soon he’d impact the offense. Nick Nurse would have another long shooting guard to work with and could always explore giving him time on the wing at the three. The Raptors, ranked in the middle of the pack in multiple shooting percentage and scoring categories would improve with Green.
Jalen Green would be a contributor right away.
Trent Jr. has become a new fan favorite, as he’s impacted the team positively ever since his arrival. Going back to “best player available” though, Green gives the Raptors someone who can shoot inside and out, able to maneuver around the floor with his high-paced, fluid movement.
With his good size mixed with noticeable athletic ability, developing in Toronto would work wonders for his overall game.
Think of Green as a newer model of the great Clyde Drexler with a better shot, or a player like Devin Booker for a more contemporary example. The G League Ignite star will be highly coveted on draft day, and the Toronto Raptors might end up with a shot at him.