The Toronto Raptors mock draft experts have been working overtime lately, as the team’s recent poor run of form has this franchise looking more like a lottery team than a playoff contender. Who will Masai Ujiri select to join Scottie Barnes and assert themselves as a member of the young core?
The Raptors do have a hole at the center spot, but the rest of their bench has been so bad that they may end up selecting the best offensive player available when they make their choice. If they want to get a long-term backup for Fred VanVleet, 2022 could be a prime opportunity to find that piece.
Rexdale native Dalano Banton has shown some quality this season, but he has some hurdles he needs to get over from an offensive point of view. Malachi Flynn has had some brief spurts of positivity, but he has regressed after a solid end to his rookie season.
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic (subscription required) thinks that Toronto is ready to add a VanVleet backup.
Vecenie had the Raptors, picking No. 9 overall, selecting Kentucky point guard TyTy Washington. While he might not start right away, Washington could be the quality backcourt bench scorer that this team needs. His defense will also catch Ujiri’s eye.
For today’s big Duke-Gonzaga matchup featuring the top-2 players on my draft board in Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren, I updated the 2022 NBA Mock Draft. Lot of notes on some early movers, including Jaden Ivey, Kendall Brown, Johnny Davis and more: https://t.co/2XdtCJdRG9 pic.twitter.com/R3U8cM1Nra
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) November 26, 2021
Toronto Raptors mock draft: Would Masai Ujiri select TyTy Washington?
Washington went into Monday night’s win against Central Michigan averaged 14.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He followed that up with 15 easy points in a very encouraging effort. Washington profiles as an above-average defender with the ability to fill up a statsheet.
Washington’s play alongside Sahvir Wheeler has given NBA scouts hope that he can play off-ball at the next level. Already a quality finisher at the rim, Washington’s lightning-quick speed, ability to create for himself off the dribble, and quality passing instincts will all translate to Toronto’s offense.
Washington was billed as an elite shooter as a recruit, but he has been just average during his time at Kentucky. If he can beef up his performance in that area, he could emerge as the best point guard in a draft centered around dominant big men.
Top Draft Prospects on Mon
— NBA Big Board (@chadfordinsider) November 23, 2021
Paolo Banchero, 28 pts, 8 reb, 6 est, 2 stl, 1 blk
Wendell Moore, 22 pts, 8 reb, 9 ast, 1 stl
EJ Liddell, 29 pts, 5 reb
TyTy Washington, 20 pts, 6 pts, 3 ast, 2 blk
Chet Holmgren, 19 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk
Peyton Watson, 19 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast, 2
The Raptors may need a rim protector and some wing shooters that can bolster the second unit, but the opportunity to take Washington could be too good for Ujiri to pass up. His offensive potential is genuinely mouth-watering.
While Toronto could easily go on a winning streak that helps play them out of Washington’s draft range, they could manage to cheer fans up after a disappointing campaign if they are a lottery team in a position to snag Washington.