Toronto Raptors: 3 prospects to keep an eye on in 2022 NBA Draft

The Toronto Raptors put the finishing touches on a very productive 2021 offseason, as they set themselves up for success in the post-Kyle Lowry era by retaining Gary Trent Jr. and Khem Birch in addition to knocking it out of the park in the 2021 NBA Draft.

While the selection drew some strange glances from Raptors fans at first, Scottie Barnes has shown that picking him over Jalen Suggs may prove to be a wise decision given his playmaking ability on both ends of the floor. The additions of Dalano Banton and David Johnson in the second round appear to be very promising.

Even with these positive developments, Raptors fans can be assured of the fact that Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster are already looking at players they can take in the 2022 Draft. Following some recent reclassifications, this is looking like one of the best first rounds in recent NBA history.

These 3 prospects could be wearing Raptors red and black during the 2022-23 season, and they should fit in nicely with both Nick Nurse’s style of play and the organization’s desire to get back to the postseason.

3 2022 draft prospects for the Toronto Raptors to watch.

3. Bennedict Mathurin, SG, Arizona

We thought that Mathurin could’ve helped the Raptors had he declared for the draft this season, but he likely made the right decision to go back to school for one more year. Mathurin is skinny and not the best when it comes to creating his own shot, but the selections of Banton and Johnson prove that Toronto isn’t concerned by that.

Mathurin, a Canadian native who has been extremely impressive during his stints with his national team in FIBA U19 play, is one of the better perimeter defenders in the 2022 class, and that skill could take him to a selection near the end of the letter or middle of the first round if he plays his cards right.

Bennedict Mathurin has the style the Raptors want in their guards.

While the Raptors appear hopeful that Trent can turn things around from a defensive point of view, getting Mathurin would make a perimeter defense that is already looking fearsome even more feared and respected even more deadly. With a smooth style of play on offense and plenty of speed, there is a lot to like.

If the Raptors end up competing for a play-in spot, which is where they likely should be given what this roster looks like and the level of competition they face in the East. Mathurin averaged 10.8 points per game last year, and he can bump that average up, Toronto should pounce.