The Toronto Raptors need to pick a direction — rebuilding or competing for the playoffs. Who they take in the NBA Draft could help either way.
The Raptors are in a very weird spot. Instead of rebuilding, they traded a first-round pick to the Spurs for Jakob Poeltl at the deadline last year, when it seemed like the days of their post-Kawhi Leonard core were over.
Instead, they head into the summer with Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr becoming free agents (they each have a player option they will most likely decline) and the other two parts of their core heading toward free agency the following season (Pascal Siakam and O.G Aunonby). This team should probably be heading towards a rebuild but instead, they are gonna go into the summer with their core on its last legs.
This will be a very interesting summer for the team. It is expected that Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr have played their last days in Toronto. Still, it would not be shocking if the Raptors are able to get assets in a sign and trade, as they have done this with Kyle Lowry in the past. But the No. 13 pick in the NBA Draft is their best chance to add young talent around Scottie Barnes and point themselves toward whatever is next.
Perfect NBA Draft picks for the Raptors: 3. Keyonte George
A perfect draft selection for the Raptors is Keyonte George, a prolific backcourt scorer and creator. He may not become a star and his efficiency numbers raise the question of whether he is good enough to be the primary option on a good team. But he averaged 15.3 points on a steady diet of tough shots and there's no doubt he'll score at the next level. Improving his shot selection and putting more shooters around him should help with his field goal and 3-point percentage.
The Raptors traded their pick for next year (top six protected) in order to add a solid center in Jakob Poetl. Therefore, if the Raptors want to try and win in the short-term, selecting Keyonte George might be the move.
Perfect NBA Draft picks for the Raptors: 2. Gradey Dick
Gradey Dick would have to fall a bit for him to land here but this would be a perfect fit for the Raptors. Toronto has been connected with the player — Jonathan Givony has reported that if he is still available at No. 13, the Raptors are a "strong suitor" for him.
In this league, wings are highly valued. Dick has solid athleticism and is an elite shooter, comfortable spotting up, or running of screens. He can punish closeouts with straight-line drives and is a solid finisher, even if he isn't going to create a ton of offense for himself. On defense, he projects as an average, unspectacular option at best.
With a team like the Raptors who at least seem like they are not rebuilding (again they traded their pick for next season), it might make the most sense to take a solid wing. Additionally, OG Anunoby has one year left on his deal (has a player option for the year after but will likely decline) and Dick could be a cheaper option.
They could choose to ship Anunoby for multiple picks while having a suitable 3-and-D wing in waiting. This could be how this team moves forward without fully rebuilding.
Perfect NBA Draft picks for the Raptors: 1. Jalen Hood-Schifino
If Gradey Dick is not available, then Jalen Hood-Schifino would be perfect for the Raptors. He is not as good a 3-point shooter as Dick is but he does have more ball-handing and offensive creation potential than Dick has. Hood-Schifino has good size for a point guard and primary creator and does a lot of little things well. He's not an elite athlete but makes up for it with touch, shiftiness and savvy.
As already mentioned, the Raptors will most likely not re-sign Fred VanVleet this summer. With that in mind, the team will be missing a true starting point guard. Schifino could help fill that hole. The Raptors do not have anyone on the team who is a top-10 offensive player but all of the players in the Raptors starting lineup are solid offensive options. With that in mind, replacing the point guard might be the best place to start.
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