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.
2. Jarace Walker, PF, Houston
After a very slow start to the season against some sketchy competition, Walker is starting to show the Cougars what all of the high school hype was about. Many of the traits that Masai Ujiri holds in high regard are present in Walker, who could be a two-way menace in the pros.
The 6-8, 240-pound Walker is averaging 11.3 points and 6.5 rebounds while connecting on 49% of his shots overall and 40% of his 3-pointers. Walker has some nice offensive potential in the right scheme, but his defensive abilities are unparalleled.
Jarace Walker will give the Toronto Raptors a good defender.
In terms of on-ball defense, there may not be a better collegiate prospect on the board than Walker. Imagine if current Precious Achiuwa had a full array of post moves and some better finishing skills inside the arc. Ujiri loved Achiuwa, so why not double down with Walker?
Walker is not the most creative offensive player with the ball in his hands right now, which is one of the main reasons that the Raptors are in such an offensive bind. If Ujiri can address that need in the offseason and his big board has Walker near the top of it, the Cougars product could come up north.
1. Cam Whitmore, SF, Villanova
With rumors of an OG Anunoby trade circling overhead, why not use your assets to acquire a younger version with a higher offensive ceiling? it’s hard to envision a scenario where Whitmore falls out of the lottery in this upcoming class.
In a season where not much has gone right for the Wildcats, Whitmore remains a bright spot. Whitmore is averaging 12.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while making 44% of his shots overall and 35% of his 3-pointers. The jumper has the potential to be better in the pros than in college.
Toronto Raptors draft: Cam Whitmore has two-way potential.
Whitmore hasn’t played his best against the premier competition, which will make him an even tougher sell for an executive like Ujiri that usually values players with multiple years of collegiate experience over standout freshmen. Whitmore may have the lowest floor out of all those three prospects.
However, Whitmore clearly has the highest ceiling of any of these players. If he can make some slight improvements to his offensive game while flexing his defensive muscles, Whitmore will quickly earn a starting role and a place in the good graces of this fanbase.