Toronto Raptors Moved Into Top 4 Of 2021 NBA Draft

Perhaps the biggest storyline next to the Pistons winning the lottery was the fact that the Toronto Raptors moved up three spots from 7th overall and secured the 4th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Not only is this huge because they can add a franchise-altering talent to their roster, but because of all of the structural issues they have with their team. 

Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet are the two focal points of this team, with OG Anunoby and Chris Boucher being the secondary talents next to them, but the Raptors have a bunch of questions to answer this offseason in terms of Kyle Lowry and Gary Trent Jr. 

Both Lowry and Trent Jr. are set to be free agents and there is a feeling that the Raptors could end up losing both of them if they are not willing to open up their checkbooks and let either player write their own check! 

With Lowry being near the end of his career anyways, the Raptors need a “jolt of energy” to hit their roster and bring them back to their 2019 championship ways. Adding a Top-4 pick to their roster will definitely do so for them and give them that star-like player through the draft that they so desperately need. 

When you look at Toronto right now, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet are great players, but neither of them really seem like that “alpha” type of player like Kawhi Leonard or Kyle Lowry, who can lead a team to a championship. They are great players don’t get me wrong, but they are great #2 and #3 options for a team. 

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The Raptors are missing that #1 option right now, especially without Lowry and him not getting any younger, which is why adding a player like Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs or Jalen Green could be huge for them.

The Raptors have been one of the most dominant franchises in the NBA over the last decade or so and they should have no problem finding success yet again by adding a highly talented rookie with the 4th overall pick this year.