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

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.