NBA Mock Draft: Raptors pass on Keyonte George for star wing

The Toronto Raptors are in the mood for a scorer in the NBA Draft, as the roster is clearly in need of a dynamic young player that can give a moribund, milquetoast offense the injection of life that it needs so badly.

Names like Keyonte George and Cason Wallace have been thrown around quite frequently, with both of them looking like long-term answers at the point guard spot. Both of them profile as the type of player who could be the team’s Fred VanVleet successor in the future.

While a point guard might be the preferred choice, given the need and depth at the position in this class, the Raptors could also satisfy fans by taking the best available offensive player and leaving it at that. As such, the Raptors might pass on a player like George for someone with a much more efficient style of play.

The latest mock draft from CBS Sports has the Raptors letting both George and Cason Wallace slip past them, using their pick on Ohio State wing Brice Sensabaugh instead. If his sterling scoring skill comes up north to Canada, the Raptors may be on the ground floor of something special.

NBA Mock Draft: Brice Sensabaugh fits the Toronto Raptors.

The 6-6, 235-pound freshman averaged 16.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while making 49% of his shots and 40% of his 3-pointers on the season. What makes those numbers more impressive is the fact he only played 24.5 minutes per game. Imagine what he would have done with a bigger workload.

While his defense is not going to be OG Anunoby level despite the similar body type, he had some very intriguing moments on that end that hint at a higher ceiling if he is utilized properly. Still, the main trait Sensabaugh will be drafted on is his sterling scoring ability, and that should translate well to the NBA.

Sensabaugh might be one of the most positionless players in the draft, as he has shown a surprising aptitude when it comes to handling the ball and getting the offense set up. As a rookie, expect him to slot in as a key bench contributor that could challenge Precious Achiuwa or Chris Boucher for the role of Sixth Man.

Sensabuagh has a skill set that will work well in the modern NBA without compromising the positionless ideals that Ujiri appears to remain committed to. Sensabuagh’s ceiling is that of a consistent 20 points per game scorer at the next level, which would be a solid use of a pick in this range.