The Raptors fell to No. 9 in the 2025 NBA Draft after an underwhelming 2024 regular season, which saw them finish as the 11th seed and nine games behind the No. 10-seed Chicago Bulls for the final play-in spot. Even with this season’s result, Toronto made a significant move at the trade deadline when they sent Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and additional picks to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Brandon Ingram. The trade represented their desire to potentially compete in the near future. With the No. 9 and No. 39 picks, there could be several potential draft prospects who could slide in and help the Raptors take the next step.
Top Draft Prospects for the Toronto Raptors
Khaman Maluach
With the No. 9 pick, Khaman Maluach would be the dream draft prospect for Masai Ujiri. Maluach has great height and length for the center position at just 18 years old and has immense room to grow into a more skilled big man. His defensive intensity, ability to anchor a top defense were undeniable in his freshman season with Duke. He averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game as the Blue Devils became one of the top defenses in the nation.
The Raptors could look for their center of the future as Jakob Poeltl is a quality starting option, but could be expendable. Maluach would be the perfect fit to improve Toronto’s defensive rating, which ranked No. 15 in 2024. In addition, he would complete one of the best young defensive frontcourt duos in the NBA with Scottie Barnes.
Derik Queen
Securing a dynamic big with No. 9 should be a priority for the Raptors. Derik Queen has a fascinating offensive skill set, which contributed to his outstanding freshman season with the Terripans where he averaged 16.5 points and 9 rebounds per game. He will need to expand his game out to the three-point arc for teams to fully invest in his skillset. However, Queen provides a nice handle for his size while having incredible touch in the mid-range and the post.
Despite his lack of defensive versatility as a prospect, the Raptors need reliable scoring to improve their 26th-ranked offensive rating. Queen fits as an offensive hub with Toronto having quality surrounding players to complement him, similarly to Maryland’s “Crab Five” starting lineup.
Kasparas Jakucionis
Another path Toronto could take with No. 9 is addressing its point guard situation. Kasparas Jakucionis combines great size at the guard position with polished vision as a playmaker and intriguing shot-creating upside. He handled much of the offensive workload for Illinois, averaging 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Although Jakucionis’ vision is exceptional, his decision-making when making a read can lead to an abundance of turnovers.
In Toronto’s backcourt, they lack a true initiating guard who can create for himself and his teammates. The team traded for Immanuel Quickley in 2023, but he hasn’t transitioned into the true point guard of the offense. The Raptors have a supply of young long-distance shooters, and Jakucionis could maximize their impact on the court.
Collin Murray-Boyles
Collin Murray-Boyles is the definition of a Toronto Raptor. He massively improved from his freshman to sophomore season. As a sophomore, he was the only bright spot for South Carolina, averaging 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. There is no question that Murray-Boyles will add excellent defensive versatility and toughness to whatever team drafts him. He also showed flashes offensively with his passing.
Although his fit next to Barnes and Ingram would be suspect due to the lack of floor-spacing, Murray-Boyles’ skill set demonstrates the Raptors’ team culture. 2024 NBA Draft selections like Jamal Shead and Jonathan Mogbo are examples of high-effort prospects who created immediate impact as rookies on the roster.
Drake Powell
While the first four prospects are for the Raptors’ No.9 pick, they also have a second-round pick. Toronto drafts well in the second round, and a high-upside prospect could be a potential draft target at No. 39. Drake Powell is coming into the 2025 NBA Draft process as one of the rawest prospects in the draft. Since Powell didn’t get much shine as a freshman at UNC, many thought he would return for his sophomore campaign. However, his combine performance has left teams intrigued about his physical tools and 3-and-D potential.
Luckily for Powell, Toronto seems comfortable developing players with his exact traits. Ja’Kobe Walter, Ochai Agbaji, and Gradey Dick are all young wings who’ve shown flashes and developed into consistent contributors. Even a player like RJ Barrett has truly taken a leap in his first couple of seasons as a Raptor.
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