The Toronto Raptors have one of the best second-round draft picks in their possession, giving them more than enough firepower to add a significant contributor to their ranks. After finding some stars in the ACC thanks to Scottie Barnes and others, the Pac-12 might be a fertile ground for prospects.
After almost selecting Cavaliers star Evan Mobley out of USC last year, Ujiri might need to head back to the West Coast to locate his next perfect target at No. 33 overall. In need of shooting and interior defense, this conference offers both of those traits in spades.
Once Toronto sorts out their myriad issues in free agency and comes up with a plan of attack to be implemented post-draft, Ujiri can dig into the tape and start identifying his next quality role player. Very few executives in the league can claim to be Ujiri’s equal in that regard.
The Raptors will look to take one of the better rim protectors and spot-up shooters in the Pac-12. If Ujiri’s usual blend of evaluation and projection once again helps the Raptors reload with cheap young talent, Toronto could sustain their surprising run of form from 2021-22.
4 Pac-12 prospects the Toronto Raptors could draft.
4. Jabari Walker, PF, Colorado
The son of former NBA lottery pick Samaki Walker, the Buffaloes’ star was a double-double machine during his second season in Boulder. Even at 6-9 and 215 pounds, Walker has been a force in the paint that shouldn’t take long to get acclimated to the pace of the professional game.
Walker averaged 14.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game while nailing just under 40% of his 3-point attempts in college. Walker might be pigeon-holed as a power forward early in his career, but he’s a proven collegiate scorer with a sweet spot that could kick the bench in the rear.
Jabari Walker could boost the Toronto Raptors on offense.
Walker’s lack of passing and issues on defense could be problematic. Undersized for a small-ball center role and not quick enough to be a positive force on the defensive end at this juncture, Walker will need some time in the G League and the weight room before he’s ready.
Walker might not be the best scheme fit right now, but Toronto will need to gamble on players that can score as he can. Considering how Gary Trent Jr. developed from a negative defensive player to a turnover machine, Nick Nurse should be able to get Walker on the straight and narrow.