2023 NBA Mock Draft: Worst-case scenario for Detroit Pistons
Toronto also moves into the top-4 in this scenario, leapfrogging both Detroit and Charlotte, and takes the first of the Thompson twins off the board.
With Amen Thompson, the Raptors would get a 6-foot-7 player who can serve as a point guard. He also may be the best outright athlete in this draft class.
The Raptors are another organization currently in flux, and we will likely know much more about their future direction once the trade deadline passes. But, if Toronto finds themselves in the four spot of the draft, I think that they are happy with Thompson either way.
He can play the wing and is a strong defender, who is then able to bring instant offense in transition. If Fred VanVleet finds himself in trade talks, Thompson could serve as Toronto’s primary ball handler, or play alongside FVV if he’s still around.
Amen also helps alleviate the uncertain future of OG Anunoby, who may also be traded leading up to the deadline, or in the summer depending on future direction. Thompson could enter the Raptors starting group in place of Anunoby fairly seemlessly, and gives them a stronger athlete, whose defense can improve to help alleviate a potential OG departure.