This hit-or-miss prospect could be the Raptors next draft steal

The Toronto Raptors will have options in the 2024 NBA Draft. They retooled their roster before the deadline by trading Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. Toronto is building around Scottie Barnes and has the 18th and 31st overall picks to add more young talent. The Raptors may look to make a blockbuster trade or hope a top-end talent falls to them.

They desperately need to add shooting and depth to their roster. Locking in Immanuel Quickley long-term is their top offseason priority, but the Raptors must build out their roster. R.J. Barrett and Jakob Poeltl are set as part of their core, but who is their fifth starter? Toronto hopes Gradey Dick can fill that void, but the franchise should explore their options.

Masai Ujiri and the Raptors usually go for length and athleticism in the draft, but it is time to change their strategy. Toronto needs a bit more versatility and this player could blossom playing off their young core. There is certainly bust potential, but that has never stopped Ujiri before.

At first glance, it may feel like Carrington is not the perfect fit in Toronto. The 6’4 guard profiles as a point guard and shot just 32.2 percent from 3-point range last season, but that does not tell the story.

Carrington improved as his lone season at Pitt progressed. Over the final 15 games, the 18-year-old averaged 14.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 43.5 percent shooting from the field and 36.0 percent on his threes.

The teenager’s stock continues to rise after strong performances in the pre-draft process. Teams are intrigued by his basketball IQ, passing, improving defense, and shooting upside. Carrington may be an impactful two-way option in his prime. It will take time, but The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie has him ranked among his top-ten prospects in this class.

Carlton “Bub” Carrington does not fit the Toronto Raptors draft mold, but nothing is wrong with that. They have Scottie Barnes, R.J. Barrett, and Jakob Poeltl locked in as starters. Where are they going to play another long wing with versatility? Toronto needs some who fits with their current group

Carrington is a straight bucket capable of operating off the bench early in his career. He may blossom into more as he approaches his prime, but the Raptors are a strong fit because they can afford to wait. The teenager does not need to be in their rotation from day one, which should give him the time necessary to blossom and maximize his game.

Masai Ujiri and the Toronto Raptors should be bold on both nights of the 2024 NBA Draft. They must target prospects they believe in and attempt to find undervalued talent. There will be multiple All-Stars in the class and one might slip past 19th overall. Toronto should take chances and hope to land the steal of this class. It will take exceptional scouting and some luck, so stay tuned to see if the Raptors pull it off.