Raptors Tabbed to Add Freshman Guard in Latest Mock Draft

The Toronto Raptors are projected to draft Illinois freshman Kasparas Jakucionis with the No. 7 pick in the latest CBS mock draft

Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) reacts during the second half against the Xavier Musketeers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images / Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

The Toronto Raptors are not lacking in backcourt depth heading into the offseason.

With Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick, Jamal Shead, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Ochai Agbaji all under contract, the guard rotation is already packed with a mix of scoring, shooting, and secondary playmaking. There are more names than minutes available, and head coach Darko Rajaković will face no shortage of difficult lineup choices. Still, when it comes to the NBA Draft, talent should always trump need. If the best player on the board is a guard, the Raptors should not hesitate to strengthen an already crowded position.

That’s exactly what CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish has Toronto doing in his latest mock draft. Parrish projects the Raptors to select Illinois freshman Kasparas Jakucionis with the No. 7 pick, passing on both of the draft’s top big men Maryland’s Derik Queen and Duke’s Khaman Maluach.

Jakucionis, a 6-foot-6 Lithuanian point guard, spent his freshman season running the Illinois offense with a rare combination of size and playmaking touch. He started all 33 games for the Illini, averaging 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in just under 32 minutes per game. He shot 44% from the field and 84.5% from the free-throw line. His three-point shooting dipped to 31.8% after a forearm injury midway through the year, but prior to the injury he was hitting over 40% from deep and showing confidence on step-backs, pull-ups, and catch-and-shoot looks.

What sets Jakucionis apart is his decision-making in the pick-and-roll and his natural passing creativity. He is one of the best playmakers in the class, routinely delivering passes others wouldn’t even attempt. He controls tempo with a veteran-like calm, using changes of pace and body control to keep defenders off balance. While he lacks elite burst, his feel for the game allows him to create separation and exploit small openings.

On the defensive end, there are concerns about his ability to stay in front of quicker guards and hold up against stronger wings. But his frame, competitiveness, and high basketball IQ give him a chance to be serviceable if he continues to add strength and improves his positioning.

Parrish’s mock also includes several surprises. Texas guard Tre Johnson jumps to No. 3 overall, leapfrogging both VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey, respectively. Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears is slotted at No. 8, just ahead of Queen at No. 9. Maluach falls to No. 12.

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