This is a brief summary of where the recent mock drafts and big boards have the Raptors picking this year. For those unfamiliar, a big board is an ordinal ranking of players in the draft. A big board is a hypothetical draft based on a projection of how the lottery balls might fall.
Now is a great time to start following the draft because there is a lot of information available about the players and these NBA finals aren't everyone's cup of tea. The actual draft will take place on June 26.
We have the 19th and 31st picks in the draft this year. There is a general consensus that this draft is weaker at the top end then usual, with fewer star candidates, but that the rest of the draft is fairly ordinary. As a result, everyone is looking for diamonds in the rough!
As of now, most of the players noted on Big Boards have had their official measurements taken, including their height, reach, and speed.
The Ringer has published its most recent Big Board along with some supplementary analysis available via the tabs at the top. Their interface is very user friendly and a good place to start. Their 'team needs' section highlights our rebounding and on-ball defense as areas where we'll likely want to improve. Their Big Board puts Ja'Kobe Walter, Zach Edey, Bobi Klintman, Isaiah Collier, and Kel'el Ware as players in our immediate range.
Tankathon puts Kyle Filipowski, Yves Missi, Trastan Da Silva, Tyler Smith, and Terrance Shannon Jr. Tankathon is nice for having a very stat-based take on how players might be evaluated. I find it more useful as a record of players' stats than as a great predictor of outcomes.
The Athletic's most recent mock draft has us taking one of Tristan De Silva, Johnny Furfy, Yves Missi, Bub Carrington, Zach Edey, or Ja'Kobe Walter. They also have us taking Kyshawn George in the second round. The Athletic tends to put its content behind paywalls.
As players to look out for, I'm excited for the crop of shooters in the second round. Some of them look special. This draft also has its oddball candidates, like ACTUAL GIANT Zach Edey, young and fluid Izan Almansa, and the son of Lebron James. They are all spread across the projections and cover a range of skillsets.
And for folks new to NBA drafts, keep in mind that these players are all raw. Even the older and more polished players have gaps in their game. Some can rebound like Leonardo DiCaprio, some can't shoot but can pass like wizards, some are absolute snipers who can't defend a paper towel. All we're doing here is having fun reading about people who might one day stay in the league, let along thrive.
by KingTommenBaratheon
2 Comments
I enjoyed your write-up, OP.
Zach Edey would be nice to have as a bench big to bring some posy offense, and if I’m not mistaken he shot well at the combine, so it may be something he actually has in his arsenal.
Kel El Ware even with all his motor concerns would still be a good player that can come off the bench, a lot of people compare him to DeAndre Ayton, but honestly don’t think it would be a wasted pick if he can be 3/4 of Ayton, we can have him come in behind Poeltl, and then if he’s shown enough talent maybe start in the future if he overcame the motor allegations.
Finally, Yves Missi just seems like the perfect Masai candidate. He has the right profile and may become a good rim running big, hopefully something like a Clint Capela, or wish version Rudy. My only concern is his rebounding for his size.
Regardless, all 3 of these guys can be mentored by our guy Poeltl because for at least the next 3 years, I can’t see any of them being better.
Reading the athletics mock, if Raptors walk away with Yves Missi and Kyshawn George… Draft would be a massive win.