Toronto Raptors: 2021 NBA Draft Grades after busy night

The Toronto Raptors provided the first of many curveballs in the 2021 NBA Draft, as they took Florida State forward Scottie Barnes with the No. 4 overall pick when it looked like the selection was going to be Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs. This move will certainly cause some division among the NBA Draft Grades crowd.

Suggs might be the better player on Day 1, but the Raptors decided to throw off the draft’s equilibrium by taking Barnes, as his potential was just too tantalizing to pass up with their highest draft pick since they took Andrea Bargnani No. 1 overall in 2016.

The Raptors didn’t just take Barnes last night, as they added Nebraska switchblade and native Canadian Dalano Banton with the No. 46 overall pick and followed that selection up with Louisville point guard David Johnson at No. 47 overall. If this is the start of a new era in Toronto, the Raptors chose to retool with some very intriguing prospects.

After a very turbulent last few weeks, it’s time to figure out how the Raptors did on one of their most important draft night in years. Considering the uncertainty surrounding this team, they need these picks to turn into stars.

It is time to play teacher and give the Raptors their report card. How did they do last night?

Toronto Raptors 2021 NBA Draft Grades

No. 4: Scottie Barnes, PF, Florida State

The big acquisition of the night was Barnes, who averaged 10.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game during his lone season with the Seminoles. While the pick shocked many given how hyped of a prospect Suggs was, Barnes brings plenty of promising traits to the table in the short and long term.

As a rookie, Barnes will be able to defend all five positions, handle the ball, finish easy looks inside, and make key passes. Barnes has two big issues, and they could come back to bite the Raptors if he doesn’t progress the way that they believe he will.

Can Scottie Barnes become a star for the Toronto Raptors?

The lack of consistent shooting is a glaring weakness that could put a very hard cap on his ceiling. With OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam still in the mix, Toronto might find it hard to insert him into the starting lineup. What does the point guard situation look like after passing on Suggs? Will Barnes fill that role?

No one knows what position he will play just yet, but in this era of positionless basketball, that doesn’t mean as much. While concerns over his shooting are legitimate, he should be a plus defender from the first day he puts on red and black, and his ability to plug so many holes make the pick a solid selection this high in the draft.

Grade: B

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+

No. 47: David Johnson, PG, Louisville

Johnson averaged 12.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists during his final season under Chris Mack. The Cardinals finally gave Johnson the keys to the car this season, and he took advantage in the most emphatic way possible, showing off his skills on the offensive side of the ball.

Johnson’s excellent straight-line speed makes him an elite athlete for someone with his measurables. Johnson plays like he is every bit of 6-5 and 210 pounds, as he is adept at getting to the rim, drawing fouls, and finishing through contact with ease. His performances against teams like Virginia, Duke, and Kentucky deserve attention.

Oh, and he shoots 38% from the 3-point line.

David Johnson could be a long-term backup for the Toronto Raptors.

Johnson will need to improve his defense, specifically how he moves laterally. His second-most important goal should be trying to create more offense for himself, especially in the midrange. Despite his success at the rim, he shot just 42% on 2-point attempts last year.

Players like Sharife Cooper and Brandon Boston Jr. may have been on the board, but it was a minor surprise that Johnson lasted as long as he did. If everything goes as planned, the Raptors will have drafted someone who can make a contribution on this roster as soon as his rookie year while eventually becoming a high-level backup for years.

Grade: A-