Toronto Raptors have done due diligence on several Top 10 prospects

The Toronto Raptors started preparing for the 2021 NBA Draft as if they would only end up picking seventh overall, giving them a chance to land one of the better second-tier prospects in this draft. Names like Florida State’s Scottie Barnes and Tennessee’s Keon Johnson were all identified as potential targets in that range.

However, Toronto’s draft plans were completely turned upside down when they somehow lucked into the No. 4 pick in the draft, bringing names like USC’s Evan Mobley, Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs, and G League star Jalen Green to the forefront of their plans.

While it looks like the Raptors have severely narrowed down their options when it comes to their first-round pick, it looks like the front office is keeping all of their options open based on their interview habits.

The Raptors have apparently been very busy on the interview circuit so far, as Barnes, Johnson, and even Texas big man Kai Jones have interviewed with the team. Raptors fans should breathe easy, however, as this is likely a case of Toronto doing their homework on the top prospects rather than identifying a potential pick at No. 4.

Who will the Toronto Raptors take at No. 4?

In all likelihood, either Suggs, Green, or Mobley will be wearing Raptors red and black by the end of the draft. However, by getting as much background as possible, the Raptors can make sure that they aren’t boxed in when the draft comes around.

Say some team comes begging to trade up and offers Toronto a completely one-sided offer. The Raptors could have the freedom to do that if they identify a player like Barnes or Johnson that could be available slightly later. This team has built champions out of adapting during fluid situations, and this draft will be no different.

While none of these prospects have the win-now ability of Suggs or Green, Barnes projects as an extremely versatile forward with ball-handling potential, while Johnson’s verticality helped him set the combine record with a ridiculous 48-inch vertical. Both of them could help Toronto as rookies, so it’s worth digging deeper on them.

Trading down is not out of the realm of possibility, but at the end of the day, all signs pointing to the Raptors using their highest draft pick in over a decade in order to add someone who could be a franchise cornerstone for years to come. Still, making sure you have the most informed picture possible isn’t a bad idea by any circumstance.