The Toronto Raptors are now navigating through a new phase as a franchise.
After trading Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby, Toronto now shifts focus to building around Scottie Barnes.
With the deadline in the rearview, the Raptors have the 2024 NBA Draft looming large.
As the organization prepares to potentially have three picks, it will be interesting to see how the scouting department fairs in finding young players that can fit around Barnes.
According to Kevin O’Conner of The Ringer he put out his recent Mock Draft and he currently has the Raptors taking Ja’Kobe Walter out of Baylor at No. 16 via the Indiana Pacers:
“Walter hasn’t made as many shots this season as scouts would have liked, but his best games and high school production provide plenty of hope for his NBA tock. The Raptors can afford to take a risk and play it slow with his development.”
Walter is a 6’5″ shooting guard capable of making shots while possessing physical tools for finishing around the rim and defending.
The 19-year-old is averaging 14.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 38.2 percent shooting from the field and 33.9 percent shooting from three-point range for the Bears.
It certainly is an intriguing fit alongside Barnes, as the guard room needs more depth. With Immanuel Quickley leading the charge as a starter, having a guy like Walter behind him is not a bad idea.
As the Raptors continue to tank with Barnes out for the rest of the year, Toronto is trying to keep their own first-round draft pick this year.
The pick is top-six protected and trying to catch the Memphis Grizzlies for the sixth-worst record is the task at hand. It will be intriguing to watch if the Raptors are able to retain their pick for this year’s draft.
Bleacher Report’s 2024 Mock Draft sees Toronto taking a guard & center
Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman revealed in a mock draft that he projected the Raptors taking Walter as well. Walter seems to be a prospect that fits Toronto’s system.
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