The Toronto Raptors have a decision to make.
The 2025 NBA Draft is fast approaching and is set for June 25.
The Raptors who have been linked to many trade rumors ahead of the draft are slatted to pick No. 9.
If the Raptors end up keeping their pick and don’t part ways with it in a potential deal, the team will likely draft a center which is a positional need.
At least Gary Parrish thinks so. He has the Raptors landing Maryland big man Derik Queen in his latest mock draft for CBS Sports:
“Queen is a super-interesting forward who offsets some of his physical limitations with incredible skill and above-average smarts. He hit the buzzer-beater against Colorado State that sent Maryland to the Sweet 16, scored 27 against the eventual national champion (Florida) and solidified himself in the NCAA Tournament as an intriguing lottery option.”
Queen averaged 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists this past season with Maryland. He shot 52.6 percent from the field, but only shot 20.0 percent from three.
Queen is arguably the most offensive skilled big man in the draft and would boost the Raptors second unit with his underrated playmaking skills and his ability to score the basketball.
The Raptors have a few names that have been linked to them ahead of the draft and Queen is one of those players who continues to pop up as a potential fit in Toronto.
Queen is a high-level shot creator and passer, however his defensive abilities and athleticism are big concerns.
If the Raptors are looking for a more offensive orientated player in this spot and are thinking big, they could take a chance on Queen.
Prior to this year, the Raptors have held the No. 9 pick three times in franchise history selecting Tracy McGrady in 1997, DeMar DeRozan in 2009 and Jakob Poeltl in 2016.
NBA insider reveals Toronto has big plans this offseason
The Toronto Raptors could be eyeing a big move this summer.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, Toronto has been exploring the trade market and could have a busy offseason.
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