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

HENDERSON, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Scoot Henderson #0 of G League Ignite drives to the basket against Victor Wembanyama #1 of Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 in the second quarter of their exhibition game at The Dollar Loan Center on October 04, 2022 in Henderson, Nevada. Ignite defeated Metropolitans 92 122-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
HENDERSON, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Scoot Henderson #0 of G League Ignite drives to the basket against Victor Wembanyama #1 of Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 in the second quarter of their exhibition game at The Dollar Loan Center on October 04, 2022 in Henderson, Nevada. Ignite defeated Metropolitans 92 122-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

. G, Baylor. Toronto Raptors. Keyonte George. 11. player. 81

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.