The Toronto Raptors have officially been eliminated from playoff contention so it is time for them to look ahead to the 2024 NBA Draft.
The Raptors could have up to three picks in this upcoming draft. Their own, the Indiana Pacers first-round pick and the Detroit Pistons’ second-rounder.
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report put out his latest mock draft and he has the Raptors making three interesting selections.
First Wasserman has the Raptors taking Stephon Castle at No. 6 out of Connecticut.
Castle is a 6’6″ shooting guard who has shown the ability to get to his spots using his strength and change of direction. He also continue to showcase his ability to guard multiple positions. The Raptors could use some more guard depth so they could take a chance on Castle.
Wasserman then has Toronto selecting Kel’el Ware at No. 17 from Indiana via the Pacers pick.
The Raptors could go center here and Ware would be a compelling choice. Wasserman notes that Ware is going to look more enticing during his workouts, where his physical tools, athleticism and shooting could have a team like the Raptors take him.
The Raptors have Jakob Poeltl and Kelly Olynyk at the center position but with the recent news of Jontay Porter’s betting scandal, Toronto could look to add to their center depth via the draft.
Finally, Wasserman has the Raptors selecting another guard KJ Simpson at No. 31 out of Colorado via the Pistons pick.
Simpson is a 6’2″ guard who is shooting it 43.1 percent on catch-and-shoot opportunities. He has hit 42.7 percent of his pull-ups and 43.2 percent of his mid-range shots. He also registered a 25.0 assists percentage in three consecutive season. His size and athleticism remain in question, but this is a guard who Toronto could eye with their final pick.
Raptors share update on All-Star forward
The Raptors recently shared an update on Scottie Barnes who has been out indefinitely following surgery to repair a fracture in his left hand.
Barnes has been progressing well and he was seen putting up some shots following the Raptors’ practice on Friday.
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