The Toronto Raptors could have three relatively valuable picks in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Toronto has the sixth-worst record in the NBA, meaning if everything stays as is in the lottery, they will keep their own draft pick that would go to the San Antonio Spurs if it falls outside the top six. They also own the Indiana Pacers’ first-round pick thanks to the Pascal Siakam trade. That pick currently stands at No. 19. Toronto also has the most valuable second round pick in the Detroit Pistons’, which is the first pick of the second round.
ESPN’s latest mock draft, done by Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, goes through the entirety of the two-day draft and has the Raptors walking away with three intriguing, but flawed, talents to add to their mix.
First, with the No. 6 overall pick, Givony and Woo have the Raptors selecting G League Ignite big man Matas Buzelis. The 6-foot-11 Lithuanian forward is an offensive-minded playmaker that has the potential to be a driving force for an NBA scoring attack. He can shoot, boasts a high basketball IQ and has the length to disrupt teams defensively as well.
Buzelis can be compared to a longer but slower Lamar Odom, an archetype that has become far more frequent in the modern game, but can still provide significant value for a team like Toronto, who could use more lengthy wings after trading away Siakam and OG Anunoby.
ESPN then has the Raptors selecting Jared McCain of Duke University at No. 19. McCain, a 20-year-old guard, has made a name for himself with his online presence. But that shouldn’t distract from the fact that he is a three-level scorer who just helped lead the Blue Devils to an elite eight appearance. McCain, next to Immanuel Quickley and Barrett, could provide another look for Darko Rajakovic to throw at opponents.
Finally, the Raptors have the 31st pick, where ESPN has them selecting Ryan Dunn of Virginia. A previous mock draft had Toronto selecting Dunn at No. 17, but his stock has fallen with Virginia not making the tournament and significant question marks about his shooting. Even still, he remains one of the best defenders in the 2024 Draft and could be a steal in the second round.
Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett make return to Raptors lineup
Still in the 2023-24 season, the Raptors got a huge boost on Tuesday night by getting RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley back into the lineup for a marquee matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.
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