Toronto Raptors draft: 3 SEC players to select in 2023 NBA Draft

1. Cason Wallace, PG, Kentucky

Wallace looks like a perfect prospect for the Raptors, as the dynamic ball-handler should be able to move right into the starting lineup if Fred VanVleet is not retained. If VanVleet does come back, look for Wallace to become a high-end Sixth Man in his rookie season.

Wallace averaged 11.7 points and 4.3 assists per game, but it’s the 2.0 steals per game that will likely help him become a lottery lock. Wallace’s 3-point shot was one of the few consistently excellent offensive weapons that the Wildcats had at their disposal.

Toronto Raptors draft: Cason Wallace could be a terrific addition.

Wallace may not be a high-volume scorer at this point, and his offensive game outside of his shooting is not as refined as comparable players like Smith or George. A good chunk of Wallace’s value lies in the potential of him eventually becoming a taller VanVleet-esque player.

Wallace may not be getting as much hype as some of the other guards in this class with flashier playstyles, but coming from a Kentucky program that (for all its faults) has produced multiple star backcourt players in the last decade might help sell Toronto on Wallace as a viable long-term option.

Toronto won’t be the only play-in team with eyes on him.