NBA Draft 2021: 5 best prospects for Toronto Raptors at pick No. 4
Alperen Sengun
Sticking with need in the Center position, the Turkish big man could be the sleeper of the draft. The definitive next best option after Mobley in terms of Centers in the draft, Alperen Sengun is an extremely high ceiling type of player who is already physically mature enough to compete with grown men in the Turkish league. So much so, that at just 18 years old Sengun was named the league’s MVP this season.
A rare feat for a teenager to be SO successful in a premier Euro league, that it draws immediate comparison to other Euro wonder-kids like Luka Donchic and how immodestly impactful he has been since joining the NBA. He’s not a Luka-type point forward, but he could certainly be helpful right away considering his experience playing again adult, professional basketball players.
The definitive top European option in the draft, as a more traditional, big-bodied, heavy-footed big man, Sengun doesn’t provide the mobility or natural floor stretching Mobley does, but he makes up for it in a more refined post-game where he excelled at creating open lanes for himself and having an arsenal of moves to turn to.
Using a combination of drop steps, spins, and downright violent driving ability, Sengun makes post-play look easy…despite it being a sort of lost art in the NBA. He can switch from brutalism to finesse every play and does so well. He also passes well enough to create outs for himself, capitalizing on double teams and making you pay.
Sengun would absolutely be a reach at four, but Raptor’s president Masai Ujari has shown a willingness to pull the trigger on guys he believes in who may be “under-considered” if he likes them. Even if it may not be popular immediately. This is the guy who took Bruno Caboclo in the first after all. Masai is also not in a position to be worried about drafting a player who might not pan out right away. Masai is essentially president for life should he chose to be in Toronto so taking a long-term player isn’t a fear for him, and this applies to all picks, not just Sengun.
Sengun is a high-risk high-reward prospect and may not be the right player for the Raptors at the four spot. But he is certainly an interesting option.