Raptors draft: 3 switchable prospects Masai Ujiri will love

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 12: Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri sits with his son ahead of the NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and the Detroit Pistons at Scotiabank Arena on February 12, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

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Metropolitan 92’s French Bilal Coulibaly (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. Bilal Coulibaly, France

Coulibaly picked up some steam lately, as rumors seemed to hint at the idea that a lottery team promised to take Victor Wembanyama’s teammate. Due to the Raptors’ obsession with length, Coulibaly looks like a prospect that Ujiri would typically salivate over.

While Coulibaly averaged just a shade over five points per game with the senior Metropolitan 92 team, doing that against professional athletes at age 18 is impressive. While offensively raw, he did average over 20 points a game with the youth team this year.

Bilal Coulibaly could be ideal for the Toronto Raptors.

Coulibaly’s defense is already exceptional, and his on-ball efforts might be as good as any small forward in this class. While he likely won’t have a Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby-type career, there are definitely shades of both of those players in Coulibaly’s style. Adding one of those players at 13 would represent incredible value.

Ujiri is committed to his philosophy, as he thinks it is easier to teach someone to shoot than it is to hope they suddenly grow and get longer limbs. This could lead him back to Coulibaly, especially since there are rumors all over the place hinting at an Anunoby trade.