2023 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Arkansas guards, SEC prominent in lottery
Toronto Raptors. Keyonte George. 10. player. 81. . G, Baylor
Those who have read previous installments of the mock draft have seen this pick before. The Raptors desperately need more offensive punch on the perimeter, and Keyonte George is tailor-made to provide it. He would be an immediate candidate to start for a team that, in theory, still has enough talent to make noise in the East.
George is a bonkers shot-maker. His high volume of 3s would open up more room for downhill drivers like Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes. Meanwhile, his ability to snake through defenders and create his own offense would give Toronto a much-needed bailout option when the halfcourt offense stalls (a frequent issue this season).
A strong driver who embraces contact at the rim, George can beat the defense every which way. He doesn’t have the most explosive first step, but he makes up for it with shifty handles and excellent change-of-pace ability. His confidence can get the best of him sometimes, but the Raptors have an excellent player development program and could help George refine the rougher edges of his offensive approach.
On defense, George uses his strength to stonewall guards and wings alike. He’s not the best defender on the board by any means, but he competes hard and doesn’t profile as a one-way player. His modest versatility is more than enough when one considers the bevy of lengthy athletes elsewhere on the Raptors’ roster.