The Toronto Raptors are in a position where they need to simultaneously try to win as many games as possible in order to fight for a postseason spot while simultaneously keeping an eye on the top of the NBA draft in order to find a player that can be a cheap long-term cornerstone.
The Raptors will need to make several significant additions with the goal of boosting their overall offensive output. Watching Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes cook is fun, but this style of basketball can be an absolute grind that wears down the players in question.
Players like Baylor’s Keyonte George and Michigan’s Jett Howard have been linked to the Raptors in the last few weeks, but the latest Raptors mock draft would be an absolute dream. Having the No. 1 recruit fall into your lap is a sign from the basketball gods.
Brad Rowland of Uproxx.com has the Raptors, picking ninth overall in this mock, selecting Arkansas guard Nick Smith. The Razorbacks guard was the top recruit in the 2023 class, and he is still regarded as a lottery lock, but injuries have made his lone season in Fayetteville somewhat uneven.
NBA Mock Draft 2023: Examining where things stand at the All-Star break https://t.co/Gruo8ncApY
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) February 22, 2023
Toronto Raptors mock draft: Nick Smith could be a star
Smith has barely played due to some recurring injuries. Considering that his bony frame and somewhat inefficient finishing were already concerns hovering over his draft stock, the Raptors might be less sure about Smith’s potential than they were at the beginning of the season.
At the same time, Smith may have the highest offensive ceiling of any non-Wemby player in this draft. An electric ball-handler with explosion off the dribble and a promising jump shot, Smith should be able to waltz right into the NBA and immediately score well into the double digits.
Smith has started just six games thanks to his body, but he has made the most of his limited opportunities. He’s scored over 20 points three times, including 26 points on 9-14 shooting against Georgia. Kyrie Irving still went No. 1 overall despite injuries eating into his time at Duke, so the bumps and bruises may not deter NBA front offices.
26 points in 28 minutes for Nick Smith last night, demonstrating his tremendous scoring instincts and creativity off the bounce now that he's finally healthy. NBA teams love the competitiveness he's showing, as most guys in his situation would not be playing right now. pic.twitter.com/4LwBmxm7ar
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) February 22, 2023
With the uncertainty surrounding Fred VanVleet and his free agency situation, the Raptors need to find a potential replacement in either the draft or free agency. If Ujiri is looking at the player in question’s long-term ceiling, Smith should be the team’s absolute top priority.