In the most recent NBA mock draft, the Raptors select three exciting wings.
For the most part of the last ten years, that has been Toronto’s drafting strategy, for better or worse. Even if it means learning how to shoot at a higher level, the company has typically chosen to select the players that possess the greatest physical gift and versatility.
That’s how, three years ago, Toronto selected Scottie Barnes at No. 4, despite the fact that he was virtually a non-shooter in college. Perhaps it’s time to give it another go. In the most recent mock draft by Bleacher Report, Toronto selects UConn’s uber-talented and imposing 6-foot-6 point guard Stephon Castle at No. 6, who is practically capable of doing everything but shoot.
The Raptors could definitely use a point-of-attack defender like Castle, who is a defensive standout. Although his defensive box score figures won’t blow you away, his size and 6-foot-8 wingspan make it possible for him to play solid positional defense.
For Castle, who filled in as a combo guard for the Huskies, offense is the more important area of concern. He can score around the hoop with ease and is a gifted facilitator despite not being a point guard. He made just 26.7% of his three-point attempts as a freshman this past season, despite having a strong free-throw shooting percentage of 75.5% this year.
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report stated, “His shooting will remain a hot topic and a likely weakness early in his career.” “But he has demonstrated that he can influence games in a number of other ways, and he has the mindset and selflessness to thrive to prioritize winning plays over scoring stats, in addition to the fact that it is improvable.”
Although Castle might not provide Toronto with enough shooting to stay competitive offensively with Barnes and Jakob Poeltl, it might not be a bad idea to take a chance on a high-upside pick at this point in the team’s reconstruction.
No. 17: Terrence Shannon Jr. (Illinois)
Terrence Shannon Jr. seems like a ready-made prospect to Toronto if that’s what they’re after. Shannon, an Illinois senior in his fifth year, has established himself as a valuable two-way player who can both lead an offense and defend a variety of positions on a collegiate level.
He shot 36.2% from three-point range and averaged 23 points a game for the Illini, showcasing his skill in the paint. Shannon would fit in nicely in Toronto’s half-court offense as a sharp cutter who can finish line drives at a remarkable rate, but his in-between game still needs work.
Shannon is a little undersized for a standard wing defender at 6-foot-6, but he has an impact both on and off the ball, and he demonstrated early in his career that he is ready to take on challenging assignments and make hustle plays.
Due investigation must be done on Shannon by Toronto, who was suspended earlier this year after rape allegations. Shannon’s case was closed by Illinois due to insufficient evidence, but a criminal case in Kansas is still pending and has a hearing set for May 10.
No. 31: Jaylon Tyson (California)
The seven-foot-two Another versatile wing, Jaylon Tyson, showed remarkable on-ball skills for a player his height. Tyson led the Golden Bears in scoring, averaging 19.6 points per game on 46.5% shooting from the field. However, he struggled with turnovers in a role that occasionally felt a bit too big for him.
Tyson is undoubtedly someone to like, and he should succeed in a smaller capacity at the next level. Over the previous two years, his three-point percentage has been 37.8%, and he has above-average rebounding skills. Tyson will simply need some time to get used to life in the NBA after being forced to do too much for a subpar California team the previous season.