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Toronto Raptors: 3 shooters to select in 2021 NBA Draft second round

By Mike Luciano

Feb 22, 2020; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Matthew Hurt (21) shoots over Virginia Tech Hokies guard Isaiah Wilkins (1) Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2020; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Matthew Hurt (21) shoots over Virginia Tech Hokies guard Isaiah Wilkins (1) Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Matthew Hurt, Toronto Raptors draft
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 15: Matthew Hurt #21 of the Duke Blue Devils (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

2. Matthew Hurt, PF, Duke

Hurt is a former 5-star recruit who looked like he was going to be Duke’s next star player. While he never took the game over, his shooting during his sophomore season helped him outscore projected lottery pick Jalen Johnson. He has some flaws that could help him slip, but he has proven to be a solid scorer.

Hurt may never turn into Shaq in the paint, but he looked more comfortable there this year. While his array of post moves has helped turn him into one of the better big men projected to go somewhere in the second round, With solid passing skills, he could be ideal for the Raptors’ offense.

Matthew Hurt can provide size and shooting for the Raptors.

Hurt won’t be mistaken for prime Larry Johnson, as a lack of verticality and muscle in the paint may doom him in the NBA. Even with those concerns, the Raptors need to keep tabs on Hurt, as he has too soft of a touch and too much scoring production in the ACC to completely discard.

Players that average 18.3 points per game in their sophomore season at Duke usually end up getting picked in the lottery, not the middle of the second round. Even if Hurt needs some 905 time before he ends up in the pros, there is a ton to work with, and Toronto would be foolish to pass on him if he slips.