5 2024 NBA Draft prospects who should be on Raptors' radar

The Toronto Raptors decided to enter a rebuild around Scottie Barnes, but tearing down completely was never their focus. They got young talent in return for OG Anunoby and swapped Pascal Siakam for two first-round draft picks and Bruce Brown, who could be traded this summer. There will be changes. The Raptors want to get back to the playoffs quickly, which puts some added pressure on the 2024 NBA Draft.

They do not have their first-round pick. It was traded to San Antonio in the Jakob Poeltl deal with a top-six protection. Currently, the Raptors have the seventh-worst record and are two games back on Memphis on the morning of Feb. 27. The lottery will determine their pick's fate, but the Raptors cannot count on having that selection.

Toronto got a first-round draft pick from the Pacers in the Pascal Siakam deal that figures to be in the middle of the first round. They also have the Pistons selection at the top of the second. They will be looking for difference-makers, and these mid-to-late first-round prospects should be on their radar.

5. Tyler Smith

The Raptors are still searching for their Pascal Siakam replacement. They have a history of drafting length and versatility, which makes Smith an intriguing fit on their roster at the four.

It has been a disappointing season for the G League Ignite, but the 19-year-old forward has been a bright spot. He averages 13.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 block in 22.1 minutes per game. Smith is shooting 49.8 percent from the field and 40.2 percent on his 3-point attempts.

It is not just the production that has scouts intrigued. Tyler Smith's shooting and athletic ability will likely make him a first-round pick in this draft. He could blossom into a two-way force in the right situation and his ceiling is difficult to ignore.

The Toronto Raptors should be drafting the best player available, but how much do they shoot for upside over safety? They may try to add a more NBA-ready guard to their mix.