The Toronto Raptors may be moving towards a win-now mindest after making the trade for Jakob Poeltl just a few days ago, but Masai Ujiri and the front office still have their eyes focused on the 2023 NBA Draft. If the season ended right now, Toronto would be in possession of a lottery pick.
The Raptors will need to add some backcourt skill and perimeter shooting at some point in the offseason, as the lack of those two skills has made it incredibly hard for the offense to take flight properly. Even with that apparent need, Ujiri is not likely to give up on the “Vision 6-9” identity.
Some of Ujiri’s press conference quotes imply that he is likely to continue plugging away at his positionless vision, albeit with a much-needed dose of rim protection. While this philosophy has been maligned by many (myself included), this is the same way of thinking that led to Toronto landing Scottie Barnes instead of Jalen Suggs.
These three lottery prospects might be the best possible fits in terms of fitting the ultra-switchable vision Ujiri has for this team. Another Ujiri draft hit could help the Raptors establish themselves as contenders in the near future.
Toronto Raptors draft: Top 3 “Vision 6-9” prospects
3. Brice Sensabaugh, SF, Ohio State
Sensabaugh was a popular Raptors mock draft pick back when they were projected to pick in the late teens and early 20s, but Toronto could still link up with the 6-6, 235-pound Buckeye star if they want to ass a true small forward that can be lethal as a catch-and-shoot gunner.
Sensabaugh, who has started and come off the bench for Ohio State, is averaged 16.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game despite the fact he is only playing around 23 minutes per contest. This shows that Sensabaugh can be effective on the offensive end despite a limited role.
The Toronto Raptors need a shooter like Brice Sensabaugh.
Sensabaugh’s shooting is what may make him even more attractive to Toronto, as he is making 43% of his 3-point attempts on 4.6 triples per game. With surprising athletic ability in a frame that makes him look like a defensive end, Sensabaugh may be the draft’s best-kept secret.
Sensabaugh has had a serious problem with foul trouble, and he lacks the tremendous passing skills of many past Raptors draft picks, but neither of them are big enough issues for Toronto to pass him over. Sensabuagh could be a late riser, so Toronto must make sure he doesn’t slip past their spot.