:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69660683/1331397450.0.jpg)
“With the 4th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select...”
A player with incredible defensive versatility and a shot that needs fixing. Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster have never been the type to follow conventional thinking. Whether it’s choosing someone no one expected (Pascal Siakam) or taking a chance on a player coming off a significant injury (OG Anunoby), they’ve proven time and again to trust the scouting and player development of the organization.
By choosing Scottie Barnes instead of Jalen Suggs, they’re bucking the trend again and generating similar feelings from the NBA world, “why did they draft (player) when all the mock drafts said to choose (other player)?!?” The selections of Dalano Banton and David Johnson — when Sharife Cooper and BJ Boston were still on the board — further proved their trust in the Raptors’ draft process.
Chime in below with your thoughts about Draft Night because we were excited with how it turned out and just as excited to discuss on the latest episode of That’s A Rap.
In This Episode:
4:36 — Scottie 2 Hottie
Barnes is a better fit for this Raptors squad than Suggs. There I said it. He fits in seamlessly in Nick Nurse’s defensive schemes because he can guard all five positions effectively. He’s the best defensive prospect in the draft and will make an immediate impact on that end of the floor. Offensively, he has a bit of Draymond Green and Ben Simmons in terms of his playmaking and shot-creating abilities. His shot may need work, but so did Pascal and OG — both had worse shooting percentages in college. His infectious personality and positivity only further cement his status as Toronto’s newest fan favourite.
31:03 — Dalano & Johnson
No, that’s not the name of a law firm. Dalano Banton and David Johnson both offer enough upside that they can join Norm Powell and PJ Tucker as the latest diamonds in the (Raptors’ second-round pick) rough.
40:10 — Russell returns to LA
Russell Westbrook made a name for himself alongside Kevin Love at UCLA. Twelve years later, Westbrook returns to LA to partner with Love’s old teammate, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. The former MVP was traded to the Lakers for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and Kyle Kuzma. Does the latest Big 3 qualify as a super team? Or does their lack of outside shooting limit their title aspirations?