Source: Raptors May Not Go With Consensus Pick at No. 4

Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs. Everyone knows those four names will be the top picks in the NBA Draft in one week. Everyone perhaps except the Toronto Raptors, who actually have the No. 4 pick. 

Sources have told @Sam_Vecenie they believe the Raptors are considering Scottie Barnes at No. 4.

New NBA Draft intel: https://t.co/qftweFpEXv pic.twitter.com/rnzEMc6yFs

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 21, 2021

There are reports that the Raptors might go "off the board" so to speak, and are strongly considering going with Florida State freshman Scottie Barnes. 

Barnes is a defensive matchup nightmare for the opposition, and can switch one through five, a trait that Nick Nurse and the Raptors coaching staff have always centered their defenses around. It almost seems like an obvious fit for this team. 

The thing is, with OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam already filling this description, can you have too much of a good thing? All the other players that may be available at No. 4—the dynamic offense of a Jalen Green, the rock steady floor general Jalen Suggs (a Lowry replacement), or the all-star level all-around skilled 7-foot center Evan Mobley—each possess the type of skills that fill a glaring need for the Raptors going forward. 

“Rooting for Suggs would feel familiar for Raptors fans. League sources say Suggs isn’t a lock, though. The Raptors recently met with Florida State forward Scottie Barnes, and executives around the league say their interest in him is real.” [Kevin O’Connor]

— Ninety (@MvoNinety) July 22, 2021

The Athletic's Sam Vecenie says sources tell him that the Raptors are also looking at trading down "for the right price". 

A lot of machinations going on behind the scenes, and Draft Night should be very compelling indeed. 

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