NBA Mock Draft: Popular Raptors targets becoming increasingly realistic

The Toronto Raptors hold a very valuable draft pick in their clutches, as the No. 13 selection in the 2023 NBA Draft could help them bring a very impactful player to Canada. Many of the NBA Mock Draft wizards have been trying to find one position for Toronto to focus on, and they seem to have settled on shooting guard.

With how pathetic Toronto was from 3-point range this season, it makes sense why they could use a top-shelf pick on a player that can either revitalize the bench as a Sixth Man or make the ascension to the starting lineup. Both CBS Sports and FOX Sports seem to think that Masai Ujiri will add to the backcourt.

CBS went in line with what most of Raptors Twitter wants to see and had them using their pick on Baylor star Keyonte George. A 6-4 ball-handler with electric shot-creation skills, George is the type of player Toronto has lacked for years in their backcourt.

FOX decided to send a more traditional off-ball guard who raised his stock in March to Toronto, as the Raptors are taking UConn star Jordan Hawkins. Coming away with either of these players, who can hold their own on the defensive side of the ball, would be a win for Ujiri.

NBA Mock Draft: Toronto Raptors adding Keyonte George or Jordan Hawkins.

Neither of these prospects will be coming into the league without some issues. George was an inefficient shooter with turnover problems for most of the season, while Hawkins’ ceiling might not be as high as other fringe lottery players due to his lack of insane athleticism.

Still, George remains a dynamic on-ball creator with the ability to hit all sorts of unusual shots and the passing skills needed to become a starting point guard in this league eventually. While his defense is average overall, he took huge steps forward during his freshman year.

Hawkins’ performance in the Huskies’ run to the title showed that he can be an ideal 3-and-D guy at the next level. With a sweet 3-point shot and a motor that never tires on the defensive side of the ball, Hawkins would be a huge boost to a lackluster bench unit.

The Raptors can’t go into the season with so many deficient scorers occupying important roles on this year. Both George and Hawkins, in different ways, can stuff the stat sheet. It’ll be hard to be too upset with Ujiri and the front office if one of them is wearing Raptors red.