13 players the Raptors could pick at No. 13 in 2023 NBA Draft
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors are locked into the No. 13 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, as they didn’t move up or down in the order following their disappointing 41-41 campaign. Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster could trade the pick, but all signs point to them keeping the pick and adding a long-term contributor.
The Raptors need a guard that can handle a substantial offensive workload, a wing that can add more shooting, or a bench forward that could fit in with the system. The Raptors have been known to go against the consensus and make some stunning picks at this point in the draft.
Any one of these 13 players coming to the squad at pick No. 13 constitutes a successful day at the office for Ujiri and the rest of the front office. One thing that all of these players share is the possibility they could become All-Stars if they hit their ceiling athletically.
13 players the Toronto Raptors could select in the 2023 NBA Draft.
13. Maxwell Lewis, SF, Pepperdine
Lewis may be coming from a smaller conference, but his athletic testing numbers are through the roof. If Toronto gets the jumper working well, Lewis’ supreme offensive skills could make him one of the best picks in what has quickly become a very deep guard class.
12. Kobe Bufkin, PG, Michigan
Bufkin is a skinny rail who likely won’t have as much Day 1 impact, but he looked creative enough with the ball in his hands to warrant some extra consideration at this point in the draft. Fred VanVleet could be an ideal mentor for a young, athletic guard that can shoot.
11. Jordan Hawkins, SG, UConn
Hawkins’ stock has shot right up into the stratosphere after helping UConn win a championship, as his 3-point shooting and pesky wing defense make him the type of player that Toronto might be interested in. He will need to work on his finishing to become a star.
Toronto Raptors draft: Anthony Black could be a high-floor player.
10. Anthony Black, PG/SF, Arkansas
Black isn’t a terrific shooter right now, but his style of play fits in perfectly with the whole “Vision 6-9” positionless movement Ujiri remains committed to. Based on his value and where he is projected to be drafted, Black would be a solid value pick at No. 13 overall.
9. Taylor Hendricks, PF, UCF
Hendricks is another late riser. With solid finishing inside, a lethal 3-point shot that was weaponized to great effect in the 2022-23 season with the Knights, and some high-end potential as a shot-blocker, Hendricks could be a perfect addition if Toronto jettisons a veteran forward.