The Toronto Raptors are hovering right on the cusp of the lottery, with the team likely in a position to target some of the best off-ball guards in a draft that promises to be full of them. No team may need an injection of perimeter skill more than Toronto right now.
The Raptors might not bring back veteran sniper Will Barton, and the lack of improvement from Malachi Flynn could get them looking elsewhere for replacements. One such player that could come in and make an immediate impact is standout UConn sophomore Jordan Hawkins.
Hawkins, who was projected to be picked 19th overall by the Knicks in the Ringer’s latest mock draft, has a lot of the traits that Toronto likes to see from their backcourt players. If he keeps standing out in March, he may need to pack his bags for Toronto,
Hawkins scored 13 points and nailed a few timely 3-pointers as the No. 4 seed Huskies took down Rick Pitino and No. 13 Iona. The Raptors would do well to consider scouting Hawkins heavily, especially if they escape the lottery and land in his sweet spot.
Watch Connecticut wing Jordan Hawkins. Look at him fly off of these screens. More importantly, look at how he reads the way his defender is trying to go over the top of the screen vs. locking and trailing. He reads it, adjusts, sprints the other way, gets the wide open 3. pic.twitter.com/DPznccrpRH
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) March 17, 2023
Raptors draft: Jordan Hawkins could impress in NCAA Tournament.
Hawkins is averaging 16.0 points and 3.9 points per game, but what really stands out is the fact that he is such a reliable and consistent 3-point shooter. On a team that remains in dire need of performers at that spot, his services will be well received in his rookie season.
Ujiri loves to look for players that can defend, and few in this draft can do that at a level even approximating Hawkins. A feisty defender with long arms and versatility in the backcourt, Hawkins will slide right in on a Toronto team that likely won’t compromise their principles.
Hawkins can shoot, but he is just barely shooting over 40% from the field. He is ot a great finisher, nor the most high-flying athlete at this stage in his career. The Raptors have typically placed a premium on physical traits over ready-made NBA skills, so this might make his evaluation a bit more curious.
JORDAN HAWKINS FROM DEEP ☔️#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/i1oMN6WUdf
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 17, 2023
Hawkins is a guy who can keep rising up in the draft boards, even in a class that is dominated by off-ball guards, if he helps the Huskies make a deep run in the tournament. That postseason experience doesn’t necessarily mean he will be an NBA star, but it might give Ujiri some extra confidence in picking him.