NBA Draft: Three First-Round Targets for the Raptors

The Toronto Raptors decided to blow it up this past season. Trading OG Anouby and Pascal Siakam signaling their intention to build around all-star forward Scottie Barnes. The first step in the Raptors rebuild is this year’s draft. Here are three players the Raptors should target in the first round. 

NBA Draft: Three First-Round Targets for the Raptors

Tyler Smith

Tyler Smith is a 19-year-old forward who stands at 6’9 with a 7’1 wing span. Smith spent the last season with the now-defunct G-League Ignite. In 43 games with the Ignite, the young forward averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds,1 assist, and 1 steal and block per game. Shooting 47% from the field, 36% from three, and 73% at the line.

Strengths

Smith’s best NBA skill and what’s going to get him drafted is his shooting touch. Leveraging his size to shoot over smaller defenders in face-up situations. Smith’s shooting touch extends past the three-point line where he shot a respectable 36% on four three-point attempts from an NBA three-point line. Smith is great in the pick and roll. Rolling to the rim hard and using his 38-inch vert to dunk everything down low. That vert is good for more than just dunking Smith uses it to protect the rim at a solid level. Smith has shown some basic passing feel, understanding when to swing the rock and when to keep it.

Weaknesses

The first weakness that you will hear about Smith is his defense is lacking. Outside of rim protection that is 100% correct. He doesn’t move his feet well on the perimeter and lacks an understanding of where to be and when in help coverage. Smith’s offensive game is limited. He struggled to finish at the rim when he wasn’t dunking and he hasn’t shown any self-creation with the ball in his hands. Smith’s rebounding left something to be desired being below average for his size and position. 

Fit with the Raptors

The Raptors after trading OG Anuboy and Pascal Siakam have been left with no forwards besides Scottie Barnes. With the Raptors entering year one of their rebuild Smith would have time to fill out the other areas of his game while making an instant impact with his size and shooting. Tyler Smith at 6’9 can play either the small forward or power forward position and could grow into a starting role by the time the team is ready to compete again. 

Kyshawn Geroge

Kyshawn Geroge is a 6’7 20-year-old wing with a 6’10 wingspan. George spent his season with the University of Miami. In 31 games with the Hurricanes George averaged 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Shooting 42% from the field, 40% from three, and 78% at the charity stripe. 

Strengths

Kyshawn Geroge has a rare blend of size, handles, and three-point shooting skills. Geroge is comfortable letting the ball fly from deep and upped his shooting volume to five threes per game over the last 21 games while keeping the same efficiency. Kyshawn is crafty with the ball being able to shake his defender to fire from deep or slowly snake his way to the rim. George flashed some playmaking skill in the half-court, being able to work out of the pick-and-roll to get himself or his team a good look.  

Weaknesses

Geroge’s swing skill is going to be his ability to finish at the rim. In College, he was able to use his handle to get to the paint but struggled to finish through contract on these attempts. He will need to add weight and fill out his body to be more than just a shooter in the NBA. Geroge is an average NBA athlete with just a 32-inch vert and unimpressive lane agility times. In College Geroge was a solid team defender but he will need to work on his defensive positioning to overcome his athletic shortcomings at the next level. 

Fit with the Raptors

Kyshawn Geroge addresses some major areas for the rebuilding Raptors. Size and shooting off the bench. Geroge would bolster the depleted forward stocks the Raptors have been left with following them blowing it up. Kyshawn has more upside than just a three-and-D wing. With his ball handling and passing Geroge would provide another option to create offense or bring the ball up the court. The more talent you have the better when starting a rebuild. 

Carlton Carrington

Carlton “Bub” Carrington is a dynamic 6’4 19-year-old guard with a 6’8 wingspan. The young guard spent his College season at Pittsburgh. He was productive during his time at Pitt putting up 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. On 41% from the field 32% from three and 78% from the stripe.

Strengths

Carrington plays with a poise and maturity you don’t see often in a 19-year-old. Knowing when to slow the game down or pick up the tempo. Carlton is crafty operating out of the pick-and-roll, using his handle and size to get himself and his teammates good looks. Carrington has real touch from outside the arc and isn’t afraid to let loose from deep. Outside of a ten-game sample in the middle of the season, Bub shot 37% from deep on six attempts per game. His shooting is effective in the midrange where he can use his size to pull up over smaller guards. Defensively Carrington uses his 6’8 wingspan and good positioning to slow down opposing guards and keep them from penetrating past him.

Weaknesses

Carrington won’t be a good NBA athlete. He lacks elite burst off the dribble and elite leaping ability. That will make it harder for him to create separation on his jump shot at the next level. Carrington struggled to finish at the rim in College, especially through contact. Carrington is going to have to add some upper-body strength if he wants to get anything going at the cup in the NBA. 

Fit with the Raptors

The Toronto Raptors have lacked a good backup point guard since Fred VanVleet became a starter. Carlton Carrington at just 19 years old would provide a young skilled backup PG for the team. Someone who can take some of the ball-handling duties away from Scottie when IQ rests and can help space to the floor without the ball in his hands. Carrington has a ton of upside as well being able to impact the floor with more than just his scoring. The talent is there and so is the role. 

Rebuilding Raptors

The Raptors have fully embraced the rebuild after years of ‘retooling”. In this NBA draft the Raptors will have two chances to select a future piece of this young team’s core.  The three prospects here all address multiple holes on this roster. Smith brings size and shooting at the forward position. Geroge brings ball handling and shooting on the wings. With Carrington bringing playmaking and shooting at the guard spot.