Toronto Raptors: Chad Ford claims options at No. 4 down to 3 players

The Toronto Raptors might be the first team in the 2021 NBA Draft that could throw the rest of the proceedings a major curveball. While the first three picks are starting to take shape, players like Jalen Suggs, Scottie Barnes, Jonathan Kuminga, and Davion Mitchell could all be in Toronto’s range.

The Detroit Pistons will almost assuredly end up taking Oklahoma State point guard Cade Cunningham with the top selection in this class, and the Rockets have been linked to Jalen Green heavily lately. Evan Mobley might need to get used to Cleveland, because him going off the board to the Cavaliers at No. 3 could happen.

The Raptors, meanwhile, could go in several different directions. While Suggs has long been considered the favorite to come off of the board at this spot, NBA Draft insider Chad Ford seems to suggest that Toronto is closer to making a decision on who to select.

Ford claims that the Raptors are still in the process of deciding between Suggs, Barnes, and Kuminga, as the latter two’s athletic ability and verticality are so intriguing that the Raptors can’t totally close the book on them.

Who will the Toronto Raptors decide on?

Suggs makes a ton of sense for the Raptors, who could lose legendary point guard Kyle Lowry to free agency. A bigger point guard with exemplary defense, quality passing, and an ability to get buckets that he exhibited on some of the highest stages in college basketball, Suggs could instantly start next to Fred VanVleet as a rookie.

The potential housed within Barnes, however, is equally as intriguing. Barnes has the speed and handles of a point guard and the 6-9, 230-pound frame that is most commonly associated with centers. If they can help fix his shot, his potential on both ends of the floor is limitless.

Kuminga is a bit of a wild card, as he is a G League player that will need to answer questions about his shooting and finishing. Even with those concerns, he might be the best pure athlete of the three, and he profiles as an excellent two-way forward with the potential to become a regular All-Star if he becomes more consistent from 3-point range.

Toronto needs to nail his pick, as a team with playoff aspirations should not expect to be picking in this range too often. Considering how this front office has helped build this team into a consistent winner and a champion over the last few years, they have earned plenty of trust when it comes to picking players.