The Toronto Raptors landed the ninth overall pick, and they have the chance to add another young player to their core. With Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster at the helm since 2013, we have a lot of data to inquire about which picks they may make. So we will be analyzing past Raptors drafts to get a better understanding of what picks they may make.
Analyzing Past Toronto Raptors Drafts
Early in the Draft
After analyzing the last 11 Raptors drafts, it’s easy to see the clear model they have early in the draft. Get the best player available regardless of their position. We saw this as early as last year with Ja’Kobe Walter being in the same position as RJ Barrett and Gradey Dick. Although there have been 11 drafts under Masai and Webster, they have only been picked in the top 10 twice, which is very low. So the sample size isn’t as big, but overall, that is pretty positive for the franchise. With the Raptors picking with the ninth pick, they will have a chance to add a high-upside player.
Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Scottie Barnes (Florida State) poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number four overall pick by the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Another thing the Raptors love to do at the draft is take the unexpected pick. Out of every team, they go outside of the box the most and really trust their staff. With this in mind, if the Raptors loved a player like Jeremiah Fears, who is a young and talented player. Another player who has come up a lot in draft talks has been Khaman Maluach, who fits this mold of being young and having a lot of potential is also another option. On the other side of this draft, I can’t see the Raptors drafting someone like Derik Queen. Although he is a freshman, he turns 21 before the end of his first season.
Late First Round, Early Second Round
Unlike early in the first round, the Raptors tend to use these picks in the hope of finding solid complementary pieces. Picking either 39th or 40th in this draft with the Portland Trailblazers’ second-round pick, we should see it again. Last year, the Raptors chose Jonathan Mogbo 31st overall, knowing what kind of player they were getting. An intelligent and athletic forward who doesn’t have that scoring touch that turns players into stars. When he was selected 31st, the Raptors were hoping for a good backup behind Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett in the forward spot. Another example from 2022, when they picked 33rd overall, was Christian Koloko in the hopes he was a backup center who could play defense.
After looking at this strategy from the Raptors, they may be looking for a certain position they want to fill. They could also be looking for a certain skill set in these players, which can elevate a part of the lineup. What I think they will be looking for in this early second round is shooters. They found a pretty good one in Jamison Battle, but I expect more to be added as this team builds for the playoffs.
Late Second Round, Undrafted
Similarly to early in the first round, the picks late in the second round will always be about upside. The only difference is that the level of talent that the first-rounders have is already apparent compared to a raw second-round prospect. The perfect example again is from late last year with the Ulrich Chomche pick 57th overall. He was the youngest player in the draft, born December 30th, 2005, from the NBA Academy in Africa. Masai and staff knew that he was an extremely raw prospect who didn’t have that many offensive tools. However, his athletic ability and upside are extraordinary.
That trend could continue as they draft players who are young but extremely athletic with a high IQ. It allows the team to shape these superhuman athletes, molding them to whatever they like. Overall, the Raptors head into the draft with a clear plan and model in all rounds.
Featured image: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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