Three prospects the Toronto Raptors should trade up for in the 2024 NBA Draft

Stephon Castle - Guard (Connecticut)

I don’t think there’s anyone else in this draft that fits the Raptors' identity better than Stephon Castle – a 6’6” guard with high basketball IQ and the ability to play both sides of the court.

Fresh off winning an NCAA Championship under Dan Hurley at UConn, Castle has the profile to make an immediate impact in the NBA given his range in skillset. As an oversized guard, Castle can play (and defend) the one through four and showed great ability to finish at the rim during his freshman season.

Playing alongside another likely lottery pick in Donovan Clingnan, Castle thrived as one of the most efficient pick-and-roll operators, creating easy opportunities for his teammates which ultimately led to a perfect march madness run. Playing for one of the best programs in collegiate basketball, Castle’s production at times felt encapsulated but it never seemed to affect his ability to make the right play.

With Scottie Barnes’ improved ability to stretch the floor and drain shots from beyond the arc, drafting Castle would be a perfect pairing and would only open up more opportunities for Barnes while replacing some of the defence that was lost from the OG Anunoby departure.