Raptors draft: 4 quality Big 12 prospects not named Cade Cunningham

Jones is a risk, and there is no way to beat around this particular bush. He played for two years at Texas, but started just 14 games and only ended up scoring 8.8 points per game this season. That doesn’t sound like a player the size-deficient Raptors should use a lottery pick on, at least at face value.

However, everything else about his tape and athletic profile suggests that he is a jaw-dropping athlete that could potentially be a matchup nightmare if he figures it all out. Players that are 6-11 aren’t supposed to have his bounce, solid shooting considering how he wasn’t asked to do it much, and defensive versatility.

Kai Jones could get picked high by the Toronto Raptors.

Jones plays like a wing despite his frame, which could easily take on another 20 pounds without sacrificing speed. Considering that the core of this Raptors team is already in place, they can afford to use their top pick on a bit of a project with the goal of developing them for the future. Jones is an ideal mound of clay for Nurse to mold.

His floor is at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, so they need to be very careful with how they develop him and what role they have for him. Perhaps a ball-handling 4 like Pascal Siakam? If he hits his stride, the rest of the league will have to take notice, as the Raptors will have added another stud.