1. Evan Mobley, USC
As unrealistic and improbable as landing Mobley is for the Raptors, the USC star’s ability to make magic happen on both ends on the floor and his mouthwatering potential make him without question the best big man in the class. His ability to secure the paint might be his best trait, which is really saying something.
Due to what I am deeming the “Hassan Whiteside theorem”, being a great shot-blocker, which Mobley is, doesn’t necessarily mean you are a great defensive big man. Where Mobley shines on this end is his help defense and ability to defend the pick and roll, which will serve him well in the NBA.
Evan Mobley would give the Raptors a franchise cornerstone.
Mobley’s ability to move freely without the ball, smother defenders when he gets switched on-ball, prevent quicker guards from penetrating, and reject a shot into next week when someone has the audacity to challenge him will all make him a high-floor player in the NBA. Being the best offensive big in the class helps matters as well.
The offensive components are equally as tantalizing, but big men his age rarely come into the game with that sort of refinement on the defensive end. Yes, he will need to but on a few pounds, but Mobley in Toronto seems like a match made in heaven if Nurse helps him develop.