The Toronto Raptors will most likely be apart of this year’s NBA Draft lottery.
The team currently has the 5th worst record in the NBA and unless they go on a hot streak to end the season, they are expected to remain in the bottom.
Raptors management has made it clear that they are focused on the draft and adding another top young talent to this group.
When looking at the Raptors current depth chart, they are in need of another center. With Kelly Olynyk in New Orleans, Orlando Robinson on a two-way contract and Ulrich Chomche a project, the Raptors have Jakob Poeltl as their only reliable traditional center.
Therefore, the Raptors could be targeting a big in this year’s draft. Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman has the Raptors taking Duke 7’2″ center Khaman Maluach at No. 5 in his latest mock draft:
“Scouts don’t sound concerned by Khaman Maluach’s raw offense or pedestrian shot-blocking numbers. At 7’2″ with the way he moves, they see a sure-fire finishing weapon and defensive disruption 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 Charlotte Hornets’ big man Mark Williams. The Raptors could look at Maluach as their future starting center. Through 27 games with the Blue Devils, he’s averaging 8.2 points on 71.4 percent shooting from the field, 74.1 percent shooting from the free throw line, 6.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.
Maluach is a very intriguing prospect, with an old-school center skill set. He is limited beyond the rim, but he’s the type of young prospect the Raptors could take a shot on.
The Raptors would have Maluach and Chomche as their two young center prospects going forward, hoping one of them turns into something special in the future.
If the Raptors don’t fall into the top-4, Maluach might be their guy.
Darko Rajakovic praises Scottie Barnes’ defense
Scottie Barnes finished with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in a win over the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 23. However, it was his defense that stole the show and caught the attention of Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic.
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!
