Raptors draft: 3 Fred VanVleet replacements Toronto could draft in 2023

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FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS – DECEMBER 03: Nick Smith Jr. #3 of the Arkansas Razorbacks (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

2. Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas

While Black is a versatile threat, Smith has legitimate All-Star potential right away due to the ease with which he can score the basketball. Even with a skinny frame and some injury concerns, there is no way Smith makes it outside of the first seven or eight picks, at the very worst.

Smith has averaged 12.8 points per game while showing some inefficiencies as a shooter, but he hasn’t had enough gametime to prove what he’s all about. If his high school and elite camp tape translate to the NBA, Toronto could land a genuine game-changer.

The Toronto Raptors would love to add Nick Smith Jr.

Smith can play both guard spots, create for himself without breaking a sweat, and attack the rim with uncommon ferocity for a player his size. Imagine Smith as a Gary Trent Jr. clone that can also be a primary point guard while being slightly more dynamic at the basket.

If the Raptors can instill the same defensive values they drilled into Trent in Smith, the Razorbacks star could be an All-Star candidate right out of the gate. Losing will be tough, but things could be much better if this season ends up with Smith coming up north.