3 standout freshman who could be Toronto Raptors in 2023

1. Cason Wallace, SG/PG, Kentucky

You can always count on Kentucky sending a hyper-athletic combo guard to the NBA, and Wallace is the next one up in the pipeline. Unlike some of the guards John Calipari has been able to work with in the last few years, Wallace profiles as someone who can defend and score.

In addition to some solid on-ball defense and terrific leaping ability, Wallace has averaged 11.0 points and 4.6 assists per game despite oftentimes playing as the off-ball two-guard and sharing shots with a host of talented scorers. Wallace looks like what the Raptors want from their young point guards.

Toronto Raptors draft: Cason Wallace fits this scheme

Think of Wallace as a sort of combination of Dalano Banton and Malachi Flynn with hops. From Banton, he takes the versatility on defense, rebounding, and hustle. From Flynn, he takes a 3-point jumper that is lethal (50% from the field this year) and terrific on-ball playmaking ability.

Toronto seems to have solved their lack of great height by bringing Koloko in last year, and they could end up checking their perimeter shooting box by getting a hold of Wallace and turning him into a long-term contributor. If he keeps playing well, however, Toronto may need to move up to get him.