2023 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Victor Wembanyama makes surprise team happy

Toronto might be stuck in no-man’s land: better than their current record suggests but nowhere near good enough to actually contend in the East. Pascal Siakam is a star, Scottie Barnes will get better, and there’s still value in Toronto’s unique concoction of length and defensive flexibility. But, the offense needs a major facelift. Enter Baylor’s Keyonte George.

He fits the player archetype Toronto presently lacks: a bigger guard who can break down the defense one-on-one and score prolifically at all three levels. Not many players in college basketball are better at making tough shots than George. He will step confidently into pull-up jumpers, often generating space with an impressive first step and precise footwork. He can also use his broad shoulders and 220-pound frame to bully small guards and power his way through contact in the paint.

George looks equally comfortable off the ball too, flying off screens and nailing movement 3s. He averages close to eight attempts per game from deep, mixing in a healthy variety of step-backs, side-steps and pull-ups. The Raptors would benefit immensely from his shot volume and dynamism on the perimeter.

He even has the potential to live up to Toronto’s titanic defensive identity. At 6-foot-4, George wields the length and strength necessary to guard up a handful of positions depending on the matchup. His effort and effectiveness on the defensive end has fluctuated in the past, but the tools for success are in place.