The Toronto Raptors are outside of the NBA postseason picture right now, as they have not lived up to expectations following a very strong 2021-22 season. The trade rumors are starting to fly, and Fred VanVleet is right at the center of these discussions following his regression.
If the Raptors end up moving on from VanVleet at the trade deadline or after the season, all signs point to them using their first-round pick on a long-term successor who can come right in and make an impact. Luckily, this draft is full of great backcourt options.
While the Raptors would obviously love to land Victor Wembanyama if they continue losing, they may still have a hole at point guard that will need to be filled if the inefficient VanVleet is not going to be around. Toronto would immediately have a much younger, more sustainable core.
Any one of these three players coming to the Raptors with their first pick in the 2023 NBA Draft would be a fantastic windfall and a silver lining to a season in which very few has gone right for the team. Masai Ujiri could add another tremendous pick to his ledger.
Toronto Raptors: 3 Fred VanVleet replacements in 2023 NBA Draft.
3. Anthony Black, Arkansas
If the Raptors are not going to budge on their desire to get as much length and strength as possible, they should try to add a ball-handler that fits in with what the Raptors want to accomplish from a schematic point of view. ESPN seems to think the Raptors may take a keen interest in Black.
Black is averaging 11.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season, showing the blend of positional versatility and defensive skills that Toronto typically salivates over. Even in a stacked recruiting class on a title favorite, Black is making some noise.
Anthony Black would fit the Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors would be drafting another offensively raw player who isn’t going to be an elite scorer right off the cuff if they use Black, so Ujiri must be very wise with regard to how he spends one of the best draft picks he has ever had in his career. Do they want to develop another raw scorer?
If the Raptors don’t budge on their switchable vision, they could easily end up taking the best available player that fits their wingspan and athletic requirements. Black is different from most similarly-sized players in that he can be expected to hold a rotation role right away in the pros.
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.
1. Scoot Henderson, G League
Henderson has to be furious that he was born when he was. In 95% of NBA Drafts, Henderson would be the unquestioned No. 1 overall pick. Victor Wembanyama might be getting much of the hype, but Henderson is every bit as viable as a franchise cornerstone.
Henderson has averaged over 20 points and six assists, flexing his muscles in a way that would make even the crankiest NBA talent evaluator start to get tears in their eyes. Very few 6-2 point guards should have the bounce and pure explosion that he possesses.
Scoot Henderson would change the Toronto Raptors.
While some might be skeptical about going right to the G League instead of college, playing against grown men might prepare Henderson better for the NBA. The success of Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga adds credence to the theory that the Ignite program can develop talent.
Henderson might need a year or two before becoming a truly elite shooter, but he’s the type of point guard that has such a high ceiling that he will likely be the No. 2 overall pick irrespective of which team has the selection. They Raptors’ offense would fundamentally change if they acquired him.
If athleticism is being prioritized, Henderson and the Thompson twins should be at the top of Toronto’s list.