NBA Mock Draft: Raptors projected to add two-way point guard

The Toronto Raptors might be tempted by one of the many “Vision 6-9” prospects out there in the 2023 NBA Draft, but most of the NBA mock draft predictors out there seem to think the Raptors will use their valuable pick on a dynamic ball-handler in the backcourt.

With Fred VanVleet a threat to run in free agency, and the depth is so lackluster that even keeping him around is no guarantee of success. Simply put, Toronto has a chance to fix a huge problem right away without completely overturning the construction of its roster.

Cason Wallace, a Kentucky star who profiles as a quality turnover generator and shooter in the pros, may have received a promise in the lottery after canceling his workout with the Hawks. Could the team who made the promise be Toronto?

Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo of ESPN are two of many who believe that the Raptors and Wallace are a perfect fit that could set the team up nicely in the short term. After all, very few players in the draft seem like a better fit for a Raptors team in urgent need of more guard depth.

NBA Mock Draft: Toronto Raptors land Cason Wallace.

Wallace may have a promise from a team in the lottery (perhaps the Raptors), as Toronto and the Washington Wizards are the only two teams who have worked him out in the pre-draft process. It is no wonder they want to add someone fresh off an impressive season in Lexington.

Wallace is not only a 3-point shooter, but he’s a terrific defender that has a proven history of causing steals and making life hell on future NBA players in the SEC. Toronto should be looking for a player with his exact skillset as they try to revamp the bench behind their solid starting lineup.

Names like Nick Smith and Keyonte George might have a more immediate on-ball scoring impact, and Bilal Coulibaly seems like a better defender, but the best combination of both of those traits belongs to Wallace, and the Raptors should realize that.