The Toronto Raptors are starting to finalize their NBA Draft plans, as workouts are starting to flow in and the hiring of Darko Rajakovic has finally been confirmed. As such, the NBA mock draft predictors could be closer to zeroing in on whomever Toronto is going to select at No. 13 overall.
While some intriguing forwards are out there, Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster will likely add a guard that can come right in and be an impact player for Toronto. Who that guard will be, however, is a matter of opinion that can be pretty divisive in the eyes of some.
SB Nation has the Raptors looking at a young point guard, snatching up Michigan ball-handler Kobe Bufkin. Both Bufkin and teammate Jett Howard have been linked to the Raptors in recent weeks. The New York Post, meanwhile, had the Raptors going for an off-ball guard.
The Post believes the Raptors will take UConn guard Jordan Hawkins, who won a championship with the Huskies last season. Hawkins may not be a Fred VanVleet replacement, but both he and Bufkin of them look like players who can be terrific rookie players in their first season.
https://twitter.com/NoCeilingsNBA/status/1666122547304484867
NBA Mock Draft: Toronto Raptors linked to Kobe Bufkin, Jordan Hawkins.
Bufkin has his issues, as he is very skinny and not the most efficient player. Where he thrives is the creation and creativity aspect, as he can bolt right to the rim, set up his players with solid passes, and get hot from deep. VanVleet might be gone, and Bufkin can play a part in filling the void.
Hawkins, meanwhile, is an average athlete who has emerged as a quality catch-and-shoot threat from the perimeter. Hawkins’ defense will also get him paid in the NBA, as he showed in March Madness that he has the ability to lock in and make stops against premier competition.
Jordan Hawkins is the best movement shooter in this draft. He does a great job of squaring his body up the rim. Has great footwork getting into his jump-shot. He’s does a phenomenal job of always moving without the ball. It feels like he never runs out of stamina. pic.twitter.com/K1M8qgJXru
— Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) June 8, 2023
Both of these players would likely come into their first season in the pros as bench players who can play a part in taking their bench to the next level. With some of the financial decisions coming into play, both of them could be long-term contributors that help keep this team competitive.