With the season winding down, it’s never too early to start looking ahead to the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.
Especially when that team is the Toronto Raptors and they already know their fate for the rest of the season.
The Raptors are sitting with the 5th worst record at 17-38 and they have made their intentions clear that they are focused on the upcoming draft. Therefore, in order to position themselves well in the draft lottery, the Raptors need to try and lose more games than they win.
If the Raptors can finish with the 5th pick in the draft, that’s a good spot to be in and they can get a top talent to add to their core.
In Sports Illustrated’s latest mock draft, they project the Raptors taking Ace Bailey out of Rutgers at no. 5.
Bailey is a big time wing prospect with great size, length and has all the tools needed to be successful. He’s a 6-10 player who looks like an NBA wing with how he moves on the court.
Bailey has a great feel for scoring the ball and is a capable three-point shooter, which would help the Raptors offense. He does have to get a better shot diet so he doesn’t settle for tough, contested jumpers, but his scoring upside is tremendous.
He’s great slashing to the basket and is solid above the rim. He is also very good in transition.
On defense he is a good weak side shot blocker and team defender. However, he needs to play with more consistency on that end. Overall, he would be an ideal pick for the Raptors and would be an intriguing fit next to Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes.
Examining Raptors’ remaining schedule
The Toronto Raptors approach for the rest of the season was revealed by team general manager Bobby Webster.
Toronto has its sights set on the upcoming draft. Therefore, expect them to try and remain in the bottom of the standings with their upcoming schedule looming.
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