The NBA Draft is right around the corner, and for the first time since the 2017 draft, the Toronto Raptors are in possession of their own first round pick, the 29th overall selection.
Considering that the Raptors’ last two first round picks have been OG Anunoby (23rd, 2017) and Pascal Siakam (27th, 2016), as well as the fact that they have been able to consistently find prospects even in years without the benefit of a first round pick, Raps fans should be looking forward to what Masai Ujiri can come up with this year.
With Fred VanVleet, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka all hitting free agency this year, the Raptors could have some positional needs depending on who they’re able to bring back in free agency, but they could just as easily go for the best player available regardless of position.
Who could the Raps look at with the 29th overall pick? At that point in the draft, just about anybody could be on the board — the Siakam pick is a good example, or does anyone remember Bruno Caboclo? — so consider this to be a non-exhaustive look at some of the options that Toronto could go for.
Point guards
Whether or not the Raptors re-sign VanVleet, a developmental project at point guard makes some sense since Kyle Lowry turns 35 in March and his contract expires after next season.
This draft happens to have a number of dynamic pick-and-roll playmakers around the No. 29 range. Grant Riller and Malachi Flynn profile as strong scorers, while Payton Pritchard has been compared to VanVleet for his all-around game at the point. At just 19 years old, former high school star Nico Mannion could be more of a long-term play with genius passing upside.
Bigs
With so much of their centre depth entering free agency this summer — Chris Boucher is a restricted free agent as well — the Raptors could take this opportunity to restock with a big to groom for the future.
Jalen Smith has been soaring in the pre-draft process, and teams love his range from the centre position which fits what the Raps have gotten from Gasol and Ibaka in past seasons. Zeke Nnaji also has that floor-spacing potential in the future and wins fans over with hustle and bounce. At 6’8, Xavier Tillman Jr. doesn’t have conventional big man size, but he’s popular among draft experts because of his rugged defense, versatility and IQ.
Wings
At this point in the draft, it makes as much sense to go with the best prospect available regardless of position, and there’s definitely no shortage of talent at the wing position.
If you like 3-and-D wings with two-way versatility, Josh Green meets that criteria on both ends, while Robert Woodard II could be more of a project with great athleticism but a shakier jumpshot. Former top recruit Jaden McDaniels has trended down because of his inefficiency and shot selection, but he has intriguing scoring tools as a lanky 6’9 forward with a smooth pull-up game.
