The Toronto Raptors look to be shifting their focus to the NBA Draft Lottery.
Currently, Toronto has the 7th worst record in the league and are expected to remain in that bottom half.
Adding another youthful prospect is not a bad thing, as it is a cost-effective strategy to improve their team.
As a small market team, drafting well is a necessity, as the Raptors are not a top destination, given their situation.
Unfortunately, the Raptors are doing more winning than they need to if they hope to land a top-five pick.
In CBS Sports’ latest mock draft, Kyle Boone projects Toronto selecting Texas’ Tre Johnson at No. 7.
Johnson is averaging 20.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists on 42.7 percent shooting from the field and 39.3 percent from shooting from three-point range.
Boone details the 6’6″ forward’s ability to get a bucket. After a solid February and early March, the Longhorn is raising his draft stock.
However, drafting another forward could present some issues. With Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram in the fold, it would be hard for Johnson to find an opportunity.
Although, there are rumors swirling about Barrett potentially being on the trade market this summer. In that case, Johnson would fill that void due to being a score first player.
The freshman has a 6’10” wingspan, making it possible to get his shot up in traffic. A positive is that he is athletic as a movement shooter, a rarity in today’s game.
If an opposing team runs Johnson off the three-point line, he can put the ball on the floor a bit to make a read. Perhaps drafting a center is a bigger need, but the Raptors bench production has been an issue this season.
Should Johnson be available at a hypothetical seventh spot, he is an intriguing prospect here.
Tre Johnson’s setbacks
A potential concern in drafting Tre Johnson is what can he bring to the table outside of scoring. He is not projected as a positive defender and standing at 6’6″, he is not a great rebounder either.
Strictly three-point shooters have short leashes in the NBA, so Johnson would have to look at other avenues to become an all-around player.
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