Latest Raptors mock draft has Toronto adding brilliant scoring wing

Toronto Raptors mock draft season is starting to draw closer, as Masai Ujiri has seen his team move closer to winning the Victor Wembanyama lottery than making the postseason. The Raptors have some very clear needs that he needs to address in the draft, starting with their lack of height and electricity on the offensive end.

While Christian Koloko has tried his hardest, the team is still lacking in rim protection. However, the perimeter should be of greater interest to Toronto, as they lack the consistent scoring needed to compete with most big-name squads in the modern NBA.

Toronto has their first-round pick in their possession after flipping last year’s pick to the Spurs in the Thad Young deal. With a strong collection of guards still available once Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson come off the board, the Raptors need to make sure they add one of them.

ESPN’s Jonathan Givony (subscription required) had the Raptors, picking 12th overall in this exercise, using their first-round pick on Arkansas wing Anthony Black. While he has been overshadowed by the presence of projected top-five pick Nick Smith, Black is every bit as viable a pro prospect.

Toronto Raptors mock draft: Anthony Black is a quality wing

Black may be viewed by many as a point forward, though he’s coming into the league with more guard skills than someone like Scottie Barnes. A tremendous ball-handler who can fly to the rim and make some tremendous passes, Black seems like the type of player the Raptors prefer to develop.

Black, who is averaging 12.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game this season, has made his mark as a plus defender who can guard multiple perimeter positions. While his scoring has slowed down recently, consecutive 26-point games earlier in the year show the potential he has housed in his body.

Black is not an amazing 3-point shooter right now, making 36% of his tries on 2.8 attempts this season. While he’s an above-average athlete, he lacks the showstopping explosion and verticality most teams like to see if they pick a wing that highly in the draft.

The Raptors may decide to take the best offensive player available with their draft choice, but they will likely try to find someone who can fit into their “vision 6-9” philosophy. Black does a fairly good job of that while still being creative enough offensively to give this team a jolt.