The Toronto Raptors are gearing up for the 2025 NBA Draft.
The draft is set for June 25 as the Raptors are beginning to lock in on their potential options.
Toronto has a clear need at center and they could end up choosing a big. Khaman Maluach is the most enticing big man on the board. However, he will likely be taken before the Raptors pick at No. 9.
The Raptors could have their eyes on Maryland center Derik Queen who is starting to be linked to the Raptors a ton.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo put out their latest mock draft and they have Queen as both the pick that fills the biggest need and the pick that gets the best value for the Raptors:
Givony’s pick that fills the biggest need: Derik Queen
“It’s hard to see where a rookie guard, wing or forward would fit into the Raptors’ depth chart as currently constructed, as the team has at least eight players vying for minutes at those positions. The situation on the interior looks a lot more uncertain, with Jakob Poeltl entering the final guaranteed year of his contract and possessing a player option in 2026-27.
Enter Queen, the most skilled big man in this draft, capable of scoring facing the basket or with his back to it, with impressive passing ability to boot. His shooting will likely need to improve for him to operate effectively alongside Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, but he brings something to this roster that the Raptors don’t currently possess, with upside to grow into if his conditioning improves.”
Woo’s pick that gets the best value: Queen
“The No. 9 spot is where the draft starts to flatten out a bit valuewise; this next group of prospects is a bit more eye-of-the-beholder, and they bring very different skill sets to the table.
For a team such as the Raptors, where there isn’t necessarily a perfect fit on the board here, this spot could be one to simply swing on talent. Queen is the most offensively gifted big man in the class, and although he has several areas for improvement, particularly as a defender, Toronto has room to develop talent up front and could certainly justify a swing here.”
If the Raptors are looking for an offensive big to plug in behind Jakob Poeltl next season, Queen could be their guy. He makes a lot of sense and will likely be available when it’s time for the Raptors to make their selection.
Raptors’ hopes of trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo put on pause
The Giannis Antetokounmpo-to-Toronto Raptors speculation might have be put on hold.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst provided the latest update on the Antetokounmpo trade rumors. He said that for now, Antetokounmpo is not available.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
