It’s no surprise the Toronto Raptors have their sights set on the upcoming draft.
Toronto has been strategically ‘tanking’ in their latest stretch of games, often resting key starters game-to-game and sitting them out in key moments of a game.
However, the Raptors’ easy schedule has made it difficult for them to remain at the bottom. As a result, Toronto has fallen to the No. 7 spot in the reverse standings.
With their remaining strength of schedule being the easiest in the league, it doesn’t seem likely the Raptors will move on up.
Therefore, in his latest mock draft Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report pencils in the Raptors at the No. 7 slot of the draft and has them selecting Duke big man Khaman Maluach:
“Regardless of how productive or quiet Khaman Maluach can be in Duke’s loaded offense, he’ll still remain highly enticing, particularly after workouts. And the idea of 7’6″ length, defensive mobility, elite finishing, physical screening and potentially some shooting range figures to look extra attractive next to Scottie Barnes.
Scouts don’t sound concerned by Maluach’s rawness or pedestrian shot-blocking numbers. At his size with the way he moves, they see a surefire finishing weapon and defensive disruptor whose pre-Duke flashes of shotmaking hint at another route to offensive upside.
Given Maluach’s limited role with the Blue Devils, he’s a candidate to sell more teams during workouts with some masked shooting range for a prospect who’s likely to measure similarly to Rudy Gobert.”
Wasserman compares Maluach to Mark Williams. His great size and potential makes him an intriguing choice here. The Raptors could look at Maluach as their center of the future and take a shot on him in this spot.
Maluach is a name to keep an eye on for Raptors fans at the upcoming March Madness tournament as Duke is the No. 1 seed in the East Region.
Raptors share long injury report ahead of matchup against Suns
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