One game remains for the Toronto Raptors this season, but they are focused on the NBA Draft.
Everything is cosmetic as this point with Toronto being locked into the 7th best draft odds. But, never say never to the Raptors possibly moving up when the ping pong balls start rolling.
When the NBA implemented flattened odds, there have been more unpredictable outcomes. Some teams have climbed into the top-3 or even No. 1, but it is not likely.
To put it into perspective, the team with the 7th best pre-lottery position has moved into the top-4 in four of six years since these new odds.
In 2019, the New Orleans Pelicans got the first pick. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls moved up to fourth in 2020 and Toronto got fourth in 2021.
In terms of a full draft lottery breakdown for this summer, the Raptors have a 7.5 percent chance of getting the first pick. Then their odds continue to steadily climb moving down the line with a 31.9 percent chance to move into the top-4.
To pick second, they have a 7.8 percent chance, third sitting at 8.1 percent and fourth at 8.5 percent. Ideally, Toronto would like to climb in some capacity because their prospect pool would grow.
After falling on the bad side of luck last year, hopefully, fortune is in their favor. Next season projects to be a competitive season with Brandon Ingram on the team, so making this selection matters.
Adding more young talent is never a bad thing, but they will need to pick a player who is ready to play now.
Raptors projected to take two freshmen in 2025 NBA Draft
Mock draft season is in full swing as draft analysts begin to break everything down. For the Raptors, there are plenty of avenues they can go this upcoming draft.
Particularly for ESPN, they have Toronto taking two freshmen at picks No. 7 and 39.
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