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Toronto Raptors: 2021 NBA Draft Grades after busy night

By Mike Luciano

Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Scottie Barnes (Florida State) reacts after being selected as the number four overall pick by the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Scottie Barnes (Florida State) reacts after being selected as the number four overall pick by the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dalano Banton, Toronto Raptors
COLLEGE PARK, MD – FEBRUARY 17: Dalano Banton #45 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /

No. 46: Dalano Banton, SF, Nebraska

Banton, who was the first even Canadian player drafted by the Raptors, started for one year under former Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg with Nebraska. Banton was one of the few bright spots for the Cornhuskers, averaging 9.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game after transferring from Western Kentucky.

Banton is capable of guarding any position you need him to handle on the perimeter, making key passes to set his teammate up for easy looks, and blow by opposing defenders with an explosive first step. From an athletic and physical point of view, there is a ton to get excited about with Banton.

Will Dalano Banton improve for the Toronto Raptors?

Banton is a poor offensive player right now, as his below-average scoring numbers are paired with just a 41% success rate from the field and 24% mark from 3-point range. At 205 pounds soaking wet, his defensive versatility in the pros isn’t as widespread as it was in college.

Is a player with his weight going to handle bigger forwards and centers?

Banton offers defense and versatility, but wasn’t that the entire reason you picked Barnes in the first place. He might need some serious time in the G League, but his game has enough positives to overcome those concerns and eventually become a rotation player at the pro level.

Grade: C+