Raptors draft: 1 prospect from each 2023 Final Four team to consider

UConn: SG/SF Jordan Hawkins

We have highlighted Hawkins as a Raptors target before, as his stock is starting to rise so high that being selected in the teens won’t be an outrageous pick for Toronto. They need wings, preferably ones who can defend. He can check that box.

Hawkins is not only one of the best on-ball defenders in this class, but he has been much improved on the offensive end. Hawkins is now regularly hitting 20 points, largely due to a tremendous 3-point shot and an ability to hit jumpers with hands right in his face.

Toronto Raptors draft: Jordan Hawkins fills multiple needs.

What might exclude Hawkins from the lottery is the fact that his substandard finishing inside the rim might lead some to believe that his role in the pros might be somewhat limited. Luckily, that is all Toronto will ask of him during the early stages of his professional career.

Hawkins will likely be tasked with playing great defense and being a catch-and-shoot threat that can nail open 3-pointers with ease. Hawkins is not going to be LeBron James with the ball in his hands starting out, but he is so excellent as a secondary role player that Toronto may have no choice but to pick him high.