Toronto Raptors: 3 second round picks who could star with Raptors 905
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors could adopt one of two strategies as it pertains to their two second-round picks. They could opt to add a contributor who can fill a role right away, but they also might decide to draft some players that are a bit more raw, giving Raptors 905 some truly elite prospects they can mold into stars.
905 has helped take players like Chris Boucher and Fred VanVleet, who had major flaws coming out of college, and helped mold them into some of the more underrated players at their positions in the game.
The Raptors have not one, but two, chances to add someone that could see some time right away with the 905 as a rookie. While they have one standout trait that will get them picked at some point in the draft, the Raptors could be an ideal spot for them as they try to make it in the pros.
These 3 players should earn selections by a team like the Raptors that is committing to their players and player development. They could make the rotation after a brief stint as a member of the G League team.
These 3 Toronto Raptors draft targets could star with Raptors 905.
3. Duane Washington Jr., SG, Ohio State
Washington was a bit of a question mark as far as his motivation to stay in the draft, as Ohio State could’ve easily helped him fix his issues. However, Washington took a huge risk by coming out, as he has issuers with his defensive potential and his ability to create shots for himself on the offensive end.
Washington’s ability on offense can be called into question, as his points per game average can be overruled by the fact he can take some questionable shots. His ability to play defense isn’t going to help him much in the pros, though the Raptors could help him eventually emerge as a quality player.
BREAKING: Ohio State guard Duane Washington Jr. Will not be returning to school and will keep his name in for the NBA Draft, he told @Stadium. Buckeyes go from Top 10 to Top 25 team — depending if EJ Liddell returns.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 29, 2021
Duane Washington could be a good scorer for Raptors 905
Washington can finish inside and make straightaway 3-pointers, and he has enough ability as a shot creator to warrant Toronto potentially selecting him with the aim of working out some of the rough edges in his game.
If he hits his stride, there are some signs of a much less explosive version of VanVleet in his game, especially in games that saw him lead the Buckeyes from the perimeter. Let him dominate in the minors for a year, then help him make the transition to the Toronto bench. He’s a solid target for No. 47.