With the hopes of securing the sixth-worst record in the NBA, the Toronto Raptors may achieve that goal.
The competition for that record is the Memphis Grizzlies, but it seems that Toronto may out-tank them because Memphis is more healthy.
If the Raptors are indeed able to secure the sixth-worst record, they will be rewarded with the No. 6 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Which is desperately needed as the organization is looking to add to its young core.
According to Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo of ESPN, they predicted Toronto would take Matas Buzelis of the G-League Ignite at No. 6.
Buzelis is a 6’10” forward, who is averaging 14.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. Starting in all 26 games for the Ignite this season, he is a lengthy forward who can protect the rim but only shoots 27.3 percent from the three-point line.
However, Buzelis looks to be a fundamentally sound player who can create for himself in the post or mid-range. It would certainly be an intriguing fit alongside Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett.
Givony and Woo continued by predicting the Raptors taking Devin Carter of Providence at No. 16 via the Indiana Pacers.
Carter is a similar playstyle to Quickley as he is a 19.7 point-per-game scorer, but can also rebound, averaging 8.7. Also worth mentioning he is a capable shooter at 37.7 percent from distance, while getting active on defense with a block and 1.8 steals a game.
Lastly, Givony and Woo predicted Toronto would take Ryan Dunn of Virginia with the No. 31 pick via the Detroit Pistons.
Dunn is a defensive-minded player at 6’8″, who averages 2.3 blocks a contest. While also being able to guard on the perimeter, getting 1.3 steals. In addition to running his lane well in transition to get downhill.
In a draft that does not feature a ton of star-studded prospects, this may work better for Toronto to surround its core with possible rotational pieces.
Toronto signs Kobi Simmons to 10-day contract
As the Raptors are currently on an 11-game losing streak, this is an audition for young players to make their case for next season.
Toronto is giving another guard a chance by signing Kobi Simmons to a 10-day contract as the regular season winds down.
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