Raptors draft: 3 rising prospects Toronto could target in first round

The Toronto Raptors have never been closing to selling than they have been after the last week of games, as losses to shorthanded Bucks, Timberwolves, and Celtics teams have shown that all of the momentum surrounding this club has been sapped away. The Raptors draft prognosticators are starting to come back out of the woodwork.

Toronto is in a position where they need to add either a long-term answer at point guard if Fred VanVleet decides to bolt in free agency or a quality shooter that can fit this team no matter who ends up returning. Luckily, this draft is full of players with both of those skill sets.

While names like Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson have dominated the pre-draft process for the last few months, several former unknown or less heralded players have risen up the draft boards and proven to the rest of the draft world that they can be franchise players.

The Raptors should have these three players firmly on their radar as they try to find a long-term contributor to turn this team into a championship force. Get used to these names, as you’ll likely see them photoshopped in full Raptors battle regalia very soon.

Toronto Raptors draft: 3 first-round risers to target.

Howard has some impressive pedigree, as he is the son of longtime NBA starter and current Michigan coach Juwan Howard. More than just a flashy name, Howard has proven that he has the steak to back up his sizzle after touching down in Ann Arbor.

A 6-8 guard who will be ideally suited to a role as a wing shooter, Howard has averaged 15.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per game this season while hitting 44% of his shots and 39% of his 3-pointers. Much like his father’s, his defense has been very impressive.

The Toronto Raptors could add a solid shooter in Jett Howard.

Howard’s role on defense may be that of a pest rather than a lockdown defender, as he isn’t the most impressive vertical or lateral athlete the world ever produced. Still, he’s had enough positive moments on tape to make Toronto feel satisfied with using a premium pick on him.

The Raptors could still try to compete for a play-in spot and land a late lottery pick that allows them to select Howard. Some may groan at the thought of another 6-8 wing, but Howard brings a silky smooth jumper to the table that many players on the Raptors currently lack.