As the Toronto Raptors battle through a tough playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, one issue has become increasingly clear: their offense can stagnate when perimeter shots are not falling at a high volume.
Even in games where Toronto has shot efficiently, the lack of consistent 3-point spacing has limited their ability to fully capitalize. That reality makes the upcoming offseason and draft extremely important.
With a projected pick around the late teens — specifically, the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft — one name that stands out as a realistic and logical target is Duke guard Isaiah Evans.
Is Duke’s Isaiah Evans On The Raptors’ Offseason Radar?
A Realistic Draft Range Fit
Evans is currently projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick, often appearing in the 20–30 range on big boards.
That places him directly in Toronto’s range at pick 20.
This is not a reach or a gamble outside their slot. It is a realistic scenario where Evans could still be available when the Raptors are on the clock, especially given the depth of the 2026 draft class. For a team looking to address a clear need, that type of alignment between value and availability is critical.
Elite Shooting Profile
The biggest reason Evans makes sense for Toronto is simple: shooting. Evans averaged 15 points per game while shooting 36.1% from 3 on high volume (7.4 attempts per game).
That is not just solid — that is a high-level shooting profile for a prospect his age.
More importantly, his shooting is versatile. He can:
- Shoot off the catch
- Shoot off movement
- Knock down contested shots
His mechanics are fluid, repeatable, and project well to the NBA level. This is exactly the type of player Toronto currently lacks.
A Natural Fit With Toronto’s Core
The Raptors’ offensive structure relies heavily on players like Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett creating advantages. However, both players benefit significantly from spacing. Right now, that spacing is inconsistent.
Adding a player like Evans would immediately:
- Stretch the floor
- Open driving lanes
- Punish help defense
Even if he starts his career as a role player, his shooting gravity alone would impact the offense.
More Than Just a Shooter
While Evans is primarily known for his shooting, his profile has expanded. Early in his college career, he was mostly a 3-and-D type player. However, as a sophomore, he developed into a more complete offensive player.
He showed ability to attack closeouts, improved finishing, more confidence creating his own shot. That progression is important. It suggests that Evans is not just a specialist, but a player with upside beyond his shooting.
The Main Weaknesses
Like most players projected in this range, Evans is not a perfect prospect.
He still has areas that need development:
- Inconsistent shot selection at times
- Needs to add strength to his frame
- Limited playmaking ability
He can also be streaky as a shooter, which raises questions about consistency at the next level. However, these are typical concerns for a young wing, and none of them outweigh his primary strength.
Why This Matters Right Now
The timing of this potential move is key. Toronto’s playoff series against Cleveland is exposing some of their offensive limitations. Even when they shoot well in terms of percentage, they lack volume shooting, floor spacing consistency, reliable perimeter threats.
This makes it easier for defenses to collapse into the paint and disrupt offensive flow. In a playoff environment, that becomes even more problematic. Adding a player like Evans directly addresses this issue.
Immediate vs. Long-Term Impact
Evans would likely not enter the league as a primary scorer. However, his role would be clear from day one:
- Floor spacer
- Off-ball shooter,
- Secondary scoring option
That type of role is extremely valuable, especially for a team trying to take the next step. Long-term, his upside as a three-level scorer gives him potential to grow into a much bigger role.
The Bigger Picture
This is not just about adding talent. It is about adding the right type of talent. The Raptors already have versatile players. What they need now is: Shooting, spacing and offensive balance.
Evans checks all those boxes. If Toronto wants to evolve offensively and compete more effectively in the playoffs, this is exactly the type of move they should consider.
Final Thoughts
Evans is not a flashy, headline-grabbing pick. But he might be the exact type of player the Raptors need. With a realistic chance of being available at pick 20, and a skillset that directly addresses Toronto’s weaknesses, he stands out as one of the most logical offseason targets.
If the Raptors want to improve their offense and become more dangerous in the postseason, adding shooting should be a priority.
And Evans could be the answer.
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