The Toronto Raptors are now navigating through a rebuild.
After trading Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby, Toronto now shifts focus to building around new face of the franchise, Scottie Barnes.
With the 2023-24 season in the rearview, the Raptors now have the 2024 NBA Draft fast approaching.
As the organization prepares with two draft picks, it will be interesting to see how the scouting department fairs in finding young players that can fit around Barnes and company.
According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer he put out his recent mock draft and he currently has the Raptors taking Ja’Kobe Walter out of Baylor at No. 19.
Walter is a 6’5″ shooting guard capable of making shots while possessing physical tools to finish around the rim.
The 19-year-old averaged 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.
It certainly is an intriguing fit alongside Barnes, as the guard room needs more depth. With Immanuel Quickley leading the charge as a starter, having a guy like Walter behind him is not a bad idea.
O’Connor continues with Toronto’s No. 31 pick. He has the Raptors selecting Duke Blue Devil Kyle Filipowski.
Filipowski is an intriguing prospect and fits a position of need at backup center. When Jakob Poeltl went down due to injury, Toronto clearly lacked a big body.
In his sophomore season with the Blue Devils, the 7’0″ averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 30.4 minutes. In contrast to Poeltl, Filipowski can space the floor as he shot 34.8 percent from three-point range.
It became apparent that when Poeltl missed time, the Raptors struggled with rim deterrence. Filipowski can provide some level of rim protection, better than Kelly Olynyk.
Therefore, having another body at the center position would not hurt Toronto in terms of bolstering their frontcourt.
Kel’el Ware scheduled to workout for Toronto
There has been an extended period of time since the NBA Draft Lottery, allowing Toronto to evaluate talent. One name being Kel’el Ware, who scheduled a workout with the Raptors.
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