The main goal for the Toronto Raptors is to secure the sixth-worst record in the NBA.
Currently racing with the Memphis Grizzlies for that record, Toronto is capable of out-tanking Memphis.
The Raptors need the sixth-worst record in order to keep their draft pick. If that pick falls out of the top-six, it goes to the San Antonio Spurs.
Assuming all goes well, Toronto will have a 46% chance of having a lottery pick. Which is crucial as the franchise is in the early stages of rebuilding the team.
According to Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report, he has the Raptors keeping their pick and selecting Ron Hollans from the G League Ignite at No. 6.
In 14 games with the Ignite, Holland is averaging 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists on 44.3% from the field and 24% from 3-point range. A lengthy 6’8″ forward who can apply rim pressure and defend, averaging 2.5 steals, but his shooting needs to improve.
Wasserman mentions two other players: Ja’Kobe Walter from Baylor at No. 17 via Indiana Pacers and Zach Edey of Purdue at No. 32 via Detroit Pistons.
Walter is averaging 14.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 38.2 percent shooting from the field and 33.9 percent shooting from three-point range for the Bears. A name that is been connected to Toronto for a while now.
Edey is a 7’4″, 300-pound big man, who has been a focal point of Purdue’s offense. He is averaging an impressive 24.1 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3 blocks for the Boilermakers.
Originally from Toronto, this would be a homecoming for the big man. Lacking a physical center outside of Jakob Poeltl, this selection makes sense.
The hold up for the 21-year-old is if this production will translate to the next level.
Wasserman projected Walter and Edey in previous mock draft
As the regular season winds down, mock drafts are beginning to release with regularity. Specifically with the Raptors being out of the postseason, it would make sense to start preparing for the draft.
Wasserman continues to connect Walter and Edey to Toronto as he mentioned them in a previous mock. It will be intriguing to see if these players end up joining the Raptors this summer.
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