The Toronto Raptors find themselves in an interesting position at pick No. 9 in the NBA Draft.
Outside of the top-three picks, there is a lot up for interpretation of what player goes where. Specifically for Toronto, needs are plentiful and options are present to fill those voids.
Free agency can help bring in more veteran presence, but the draft allows for a more cost-controlled option.
Mock drafts have been skewed for the Raptors by plugging in different players who play different positions. In Yahoo Sports’ latest mock draft, Kevin O’Connor displayed that variance by slotting Cedric Coward of Washington State to Toronto.
O’Connor points out that executives expect the Raptors to lean towards selecting someone who can help win games now rather than developing a project. He feels that Coward fills that narrative as an ‘older’ prospect at 22-years-old.
The Washington State Cougar is viewed as a first-round riser due to his extremely valuable 3-and-D skillset. In addition to measuring out at 6’5″ with a 7’2″ wingspan, while checking out to be a positive three-point shooter.
In Coward’s senior season, he averaged 17.7 points, 7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks on 55.7 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range. To be a 40-percent shooter in college is impressive and tends to carry over in some capacity in the NBA.
It goes without saying that he fits Toronto’s bill of a lengthy forward that can provide meaningful two-way play. Additionally, Coward is a plug-and-play guy as he does not need the ball to be successful.
As with Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram all sharing the ball, this pick would make sense.
Cedric Coward’s college stats
Cedric Coward started his collegiate career at Willamette University before transferring to Eastern Washington University for two years and then Washington State for his senior year.
Through 73 total games, 40 starts, Coward averaged 12.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 59.3 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from three-point range.
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