5) Toronto Raptors-Kasparas Jakucionis
Despite potentially having a top five pick in this year's draft, the Toronto Raptors have made strides to try and improve. They made a big trade to land former all-star Brandon Ingram to pair with their core of Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Jakob Poeltl.
We have yet to see that lineup in action, but they are building beyond this season. By selecting Kasparas Jakucionis in the draft, they can continue to bolster their roster. His production has been impressive for Illinois, averaging 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.
Jakucionis has drawn a comparison to Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton with his playing style. He looks to push the pace at certain points of the game, masterfully uses screens, and uses change-of-pace moves to get to the rim.
He might dribble into the paint and use a hesitation dribble to freeze his defender or turn on the jets to blow by his man. Jakucionis' knack for attacking the paint has led to him living at the free throw line, averaging 5 free throw attempts per game.
That is surprisingly high for someone who only takes 10.3 shots per game, and that is usually a skill that translates to the NBA. And while he is only shooting 33% from three, he takes a lot of pull-ups and hits them at a solid rate. At the next level, he could play both on- and off-ball as either a primary or secondary ball-handler, with him having plenty of offensive skill to help the Raptors.
6) Philadelphia 76ers—Tre Johnson
The Philadelphia 76ers have had a disastrous season that has seen them stuck near the bottom of the standings rather than being a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. Fortunately, they could have a top-six pick to show for it, and they could use that selection to draft Tre Johnson.
Johnson is known as a scorer, averaging a terrific 20.2 points per game for Texas with impressive shooting splits, including shooting 37.4% from three on 6.7 attempts per game. That is solid, though he tends to be reliant on both mid-range and 3-point shooting.
Tre Johnson - ESPN's No. 5 prospect - had a fantastic February, averaging 26 ppg on a scorching 43% 3P%, reconfirming his status as one of college basketball's best scorers. The 18-year old is a dynamic shot-maker who creates shots prolifically and shows flashes of passing. pic.twitter.com/zcG0XoIaJS
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 1, 2025
That is somewhat of a concern considering he has good size for a shooting guard at 6'6, but he doesn't get to the rim as much as he perhaps should. Still, his scoring ability is hard to teach and could help the Sixers turn the page. Particularly as they figure out their next move involving injured superstar Joel Embiid.
Getting a player of Johnson's caliber would help them going forward, with him pairing nicely with Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. That would give them a path forward, potentially without Embiid, who is facing a big potential offseason surgery. If Embiid comes back fully healthy next season, the Sixers could still use what Johnson provides, giving them a proven scorer and shooter who can grow into a larger role.
Getting a cheap influx of talent could also help to offset Paul George's ugly-looking contract. If both Embiid and George can bounce back next season fully healthy, then Johnson would be a rotation player on a contending team and could eventually evolve into a star.