The Toronto Raptors have an intriguing mix of talent heading into next season. After missing the playoffs for three straight years, Brandon Ingram’s should make them far more competitive.
However, even with Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Ingram on the roster, this team still needs time to grow before making a big leap. In the meantime, the Raptors could continue with their drafting philosophy and use their No. 9 pick on a long, versatile, defensive-minded, and loaded with potential prospects, the kind of player their President has always gravitated towards.
Toronto Raptors Predicted To Select Arizona Forward With Immense Long-Term Potential in 2025 NBA Draft
Toronto had a vision after winning its first NBA championship, which was loading up on big, athletic wings and building a switch-heavy team from top to bottom. However, that identity hasn’t produced the results the front office hoped for.
Trading away OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam helped land Barrett and (eventually) Ingram, giving the Raptors a refreshed core. Now, to continue the rebuild, PFSN’s Alex Kennedy predicts the Raptors could use their No. 9 pick on Arizona’s Carter Bryant, whom he described as a polarizing prospect.
Bryant’s stock has been soaring following the March Madness, which is evident by the fact that he went 21st overall in PFSN’s April mock draft and is now a widely projected top-10 pick. In Ian Cummings’ latest mock draft for PFSN, he floated the idea that Bryant could go as high as No. 3 to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Explaining why Bryant was such a tough player to evaluate, Kennedy wrote, “At Arizona, he averaged just 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in under 20 minutes per game. However, teams aren’t interested in him based on his past production — they are falling in love with his potential.
“Since Bryant shot 37.1% from 3-point range and has a 6’8″, 225-pound frame, the thought is that he could develop into a perfect 3-and-D wing. Toronto is known for developing prospects and helping them reach their full potential, so this feels like a perfect landing spot for Bryant.”
Bryant, listed at 6’8,” fits the mold to a tee. He brings switchable defense, clean shooting mechanics, and flashes of weak-side rim protection, which is what the Raptors need.
Toronto finished near the bottom in defensive rating (114.8) this past season and lacked rim protection and interior presence. Bryant’s long frame and instincts could help change that. He doesn’t sacrifice mobility for size, which allows him to play alongside both perimeter-focused and interior-heavy lineups.
Arizona’s Carter Bryant has the makings of the big complementary wing all 30 NBA teams covet. Terrific physical tools, spot-up shooting, baseline feel, and valuable defensive versatility. pic.twitter.com/B0ZkY1B1cn
— Jacob Myers (@League_Him) February 11, 2025
Adding a floor spacer like Bryant also opens up cleaner driving lanes for Barnes, who thrives as a creator and playmaking forward. And for Barrett, who plays best when attacking downhill, could benefit from an additional defender behind him covering rotations and cleaning up second-chance opportunities.
Sure, Bryant is not a finished product and lacks the ability to contribute much in the scoring area at this time. However, as Kennedy pointed out, the Raptors and Ujiri are known for developing prospects and helping them reach their full potential, and Bryant has the talent to deserve a big bet at No. 9.
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