NBA Mock Draft: Raptors land 3 backcourt players in guard-heavy B/R projection
By Mike Luciano
No. 20: Devin Carter, SG, Providence
The Raptors have had a thing for identifying players with unusual skillsets for their frame. After drafting a 6-8 point guard in Scottie Barnes and trading for a 6-4 small forward in Bruce Brown, Ujiri might look at a 6-3 guard with elite rebounding and defensive numbers like Carter.
Carter has averaged 18.6 points and 8.0 rebounds per game with more than one steal and block per game each. He's leading the Friars with efficiency as well, as he is nailing 49% of his attempts from the field and connecting on 36% of his 3-pointers with decent volume. Imagine him on the bench as a long-term Dennis Schroder replacement.
The Toronto Raptors could grab a unique guard in Devin Carter
Carter is not the greatest athlete in the world from a numerical testing perspective, and Ujiri has typically placed an inordinate level of emphasis on raw traits like that. Carter's rebounding will translate to the pros, but expecting eight per game would be foolish for Toronto.
Carter's defense and shooting will ultimately be his meal ticket. Even if his first season isn't as productive as one would hope, there's enough to work with to keep him on ice for a year and turn him loose once he puts on a few pounds and shows he can create good looks against NBA defenders.