What Options Do the Toronto Raptors Have at the 2024 NBA Draft?
The 2024 NBA draft is often described as “flat,” which might not sound appealing to teams looking for standout talent at the top. However, this situation adds intrigue and puts pressure on scouting departments to identify valuable players regardless of their draft position.
For the Toronto Raptors, this depth in talent is advantageous, especially with two picks in the top 31. After a season focused on rebuilding around young players like Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett, the Raptors have several strategic options. As Masai Ujiri mentioned, the team isn’t in a position to be selective and has various needs, including a backup point guard, a wing defender, and a young backup big.
Draft Strategy
The Raptors might not address all their roster needs through the draft alone. They could also create cap space during the summer to target rotation players. However, adding cost-controlled, young talent remains a priority.
Trading Up
A “flat” draft means there is flexibility to move up or down. If the Raptors find a prospect they believe fits their needs and might be taken before their 19th pick, they could trade up. Potential trade-up targets include:
Ron Holland
– Strengths: Transition play, athleticism, defense.
– Concerns: Questionable jumper, decision-making.
– Fit: Could excel in Darko Rajakovic’s system, fitting well with Barnes, Quickley, and Barrett.
Devin Carter
– Strengths: Two-way play, improved shooting, elite defense.
– Concerns: Unorthodox jumper, early college shooting struggles.
– Fit: Compatible with Quickley and the Raptors’ core, potentially a defensive asset.
Isaiah Collier
– Strengths: Rim finishing, playmaking.
– Concerns: Turnovers, inconsistent jumper, defensive lapses.
– Fit: Offers star potential and could start as a backup point guard.
The #19 Overall Picks
If staying at #19, the Raptors could consider:
Tristan Da Silva
– Strengths: Shooting, defending multiple positions.
– Concerns: Age, slender build.
– Fit: Immediate contributor, enhances spacing.
Jaylon Tyson
– Strengths: Size, defense, versatile scoring.
– Concerns: Limited star potential.
– Fit: Versatile guard prospect with reported Raptors interest.
DaRon Holmes III
– Strengths: Versatility, shooting, rim-running, defending.
– Concerns: Undersized for his position.
– Fit: Intriguing long-term fit alongside Barnes.
Yves Missi
– Strengths: Athleticism, shot-blocking, defense.
– Concerns: Raw skill set, needs development.
– Fit: Project player with immediate defensive impact.
Kyshawn George
– Strengths: Shooting, defense.
– Concerns: Limited upside.
– Fit: Potential Gary Trent Jr. replacement.
The #19 Swings
High-risk, high-reward options at #19:
Zach Edey
– Strengths: Size, college dominance.
– Concerns: Defensive mobility, fit with Raptors.
– Fit: Potential to add size, question marks about NBA transition.
Kel’El Ware
– Strengths: Versatility, shooting, defense.
– Concerns: Consistency, defensive awareness.
– Fit: High ceiling, worth the risk.
The Options at #31
Potential picks for the 31st selection:
Ajay Mitchell
– Strengths: Scoring at all levels, shooting improvement.
– Concerns: Consistency, strength-based creation.
– Fit: Guard option if a wing or big is picked at #19.
Kevin McCullar Jr.
– Strengths: Defense, lateral quickness, scoring.
– Concerns: Streaky shooting.
– Fit: Wing option if George or Da Silva isn’t chosen at #19.
Jonathan Mogbo
– Strengths: Versatility, physicality, feel for the game.
– Concerns: Shooting, raw skills.
– Fit: Potential 2-way player, intriguing big man prospect.
The Raptors have multiple avenues to explore in this draft, balancing immediate contributions with long-term potential.
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