The Toronto Raptors have a clear priority heading into next week's NBA draft: improving their shooting. While not a cure-all, addressing this weakness is critical for the team's future success.
Raptors' Shooting Woes
Toronto ranked 26th out of 30 teams in three-point makes and attempts per game during the regular season, and 21st in accuracy. Only two playoff teams shot worse. In the postseason, they ranked 12th among 16 teams in three-point makes, despite shooting at a respectable 35%—similar to their regular season rate, suggesting league-wide playoff struggles.
Current Roster Shooters
The Raptors have one elite shooter in Jamison Battle, though he is not a guaranteed rotation player. Above-average shooters include starting point guard Immanuel Quickley (injured for playoffs) and rising wing Ja'Kobe Walter, who led the NBA in accuracy after the all-star break. Scoring leader Brandon Ingram is a decent but reluctant outside shooter. The team's three best big men—Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Jason Poeltl—are unreliable from distance, though Barnes can heat up occasionally.
RJ Barrett is inconsistent, as are Jamal Shead and Gradey Dick. Free-agent revelation Sandro Mamukelashvili, who provided floor-spacing at center or power forward, is likely to leave for a bigger contract, leaving a gap.
Draft Targets at Pick 19
Assistant general manager Dan Tolzman noted the franchise typically prioritizes the best overall player over need, but for this exercise, we focus on shooters who might be available at 19 or 50.
- Christian Anderson, Texas Tech point guard: Considered the best shooter in the draft, Anderson is a nearly flawless outside shooter with length and athleticism. He has weaknesses but could be a dangerous weapon off the bench.
- Cameron Carr, Baylor wing: Rapidly rising up draft boards, Carr has potential to become a 20-point scorer.
- Bennett Stirtz, Iowa point guard: A smart, effective offensive player who profiles as a solid backup point guard. Questions remain about his defense under coach Darko Rajakovic.
- Isaiah Evans, Duke wing: Offers more three-point shooting and defensive potential than many pure shooters.
- Ebuka Okorie, Stanford point guard: A talented pull-up shooter who attacks the rim relentlessly.
- Allen Graves, Santa Clara forward: A jack-of-all-trades who projects as a winning player.
- Henri Veesaar, North Carolina centre: A near 7-foot-1 floor spacer, but defense may be too lacking for a pick at 19.
Potential Options at Pick 50
- Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt shooting guard: An older prospect with athletic limitations, Nickel could fill a flamethrower role similar to Sam Merrill or Duncan Robinson. However, the Raptors already have Battle for that role.
- Bruce Thornton, Ohio State point guard: A great shooter who scores in various ways and is an aggressive defender, though not at Shead's level.
- Tyler Bilodeau, UCLA power forward: A tremendous catch-and-shoot big man who could replace some of Mamukelashvili's production.
- Milos Uzan, Houston point guard: His shot is a work in progress, but he is half Serbian, studied at the same program as Shead, can defend, and has good form.
According to Hoops Hype, the Raptors have worked out Stirtz, Bilodeau, and Thornton. However, Toronto does not limit itself to players seen in their gym; Walter, for example, did not work out with the club because he was expected to go higher than 19.
