[smithers3551Participant]

As a raptors fan I’m just curious what other raptor fans are thinking they should do at the draft. I really like the way the young core is coming together and don’t think they should trade any of them, but they do need some help. My question is who should they draft? or do you think their is a possibility to move up the draft without trading key pieces ex(20th, 36th, or 1st round pick from new York in 2016), I’m not talking trading for a top three but maybe moving up in the 12-15 range to get a prospect that fits there needs perfectly.
I would love to see them get Rodney Hood, I think he would fit perfect with Derozen and Ross as the raptors wings for years to come and would give the raptors a little more length on the wing
what do you think?

[OhCanada-Participant]

 I dont think it is worth moving up to grab Rodney Hood he could very well fall to 20. One of Hood, Warren, GR3, Young, Early, or Anderson are bound to fall to 20.

I also think Ennis would be a great option along with Payne those are my favourite two options. Warren, Early, GR3, and Hood are also excellent options. I doubt Anderson or Young will be available.

With the second pick Wilcox would be a great fit especially with the shooting struggles Toronto displayed in the playoffs and Terrance Ross being a former teammate. They could also go for a Euro prospect with upside like Porzingis or Ingles. Ujiri selected another french euro prospect in Fournier with Denver confidently so I doubt he would be afraid to make that selection. Bogdanovic would also be a nice fit. Maybe a high pitential big would be a good fit as well with shot blocking potential like Khem Birch or Isaiah Austin. Melvin Ejim could also be a sleeper.

Lookout for a draft and stash prospect with the third pick but they could also go for a Canadian center like Bachinsky or Bhullar. There are alot of Indian Raptors fans drafting Sim Bhullar could open up a large market for basketball whether he plays 20-mpg or 5-mpg.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 I dont think it is worth moving up to grab Rodney Hood he could very well fall to 20. One of Hood, Warren, GR3, Young, Early, or Anderson are bound to fall to 20.

I also think Ennis would be a great option along with Payne those are my favourite two options. Warren, Early, GR3, and Hood are also excellent options. I doubt Anderson or Young will be available.

With the second pick Wilcox would be a great fit especially with the shooting struggles Toronto displayed in the playoffs and Terrance Ross being a former teammate. They could also go for a Euro prospect with upside like Porzingis or Ingles. Ujiri selected another french euro prospect in Fournier with Denver confidently so I doubt he would be afraid to make that selection. Bogdanovic would also be a nice fit. Maybe a high pitential big would be a good fit as well with shot blocking potential like Khem Birch or Isaiah Austin. Melvin Ejim could also be a sleeper.

Lookout for a draft and stash prospect with the third pick but they could also go for a Canadian center like Bachinsky or Bhullar. There are alot of Indian Raptors fans drafting Sim Bhullar could open up a large market for basketball whether he plays 20-mpg or 5-mpg.

[terrancebowerParticipant]

I think there are a lot of options since we don’t have any huge holes, but I think we need a solid wing off the bench (especially one who can shoot – Hood, Young, maybe Early), and we could also go for PG insurance in case we don’t resign Lowry (really like Payton) or a PF if there is someone who could come off the bench for a year or two and then eventually move into the starting line-up (Payne?).

We’re definitely not looking at an immediate starter unless we move up but we don’t really have many assets at our expense that I would be ok with moving. Amir is the one starter that would be fairly easy to upgrade (on paper) but he’s also our most important glue/energy guy. We could probably just go BPA.

Lots of Canadians at the tail end of the 2nd and I expect the Raps to draft a Canadian (for the 1st time ever) with a few decent options in Powell, Bachynski or Birch at the tail end of the draft. For that 36th pick it depends who we take 20th, but I really like McDaniels, or if GRIII slips he could be a steal.

[terrancebowerParticipant]

I think there are a lot of options since we don’t have any huge holes, but I think we need a solid wing off the bench (especially one who can shoot – Hood, Young, maybe Early), and we could also go for PG insurance in case we don’t resign Lowry (really like Payton) or a PF if there is someone who could come off the bench for a year or two and then eventually move into the starting line-up (Payne?).

We’re definitely not looking at an immediate starter unless we move up but we don’t really have many assets at our expense that I would be ok with moving. Amir is the one starter that would be fairly easy to upgrade (on paper) but he’s also our most important glue/energy guy. We could probably just go BPA.

Lots of Canadians at the tail end of the 2nd and I expect the Raps to draft a Canadian (for the 1st time ever) with a few decent options in Powell, Bachynski or Birch at the tail end of the draft. For that 36th pick it depends who we take 20th, but I really like McDaniels, or if GRIII slips he could be a steal.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 The Raptors have plenty of holes.

The perimeter shooting was terrible by Ross, Salmons, and Vasquez from the wing. Ross was terrible in the playoffs and really needs to grow in maturity and with his confidence. 

Toronto never had a small 4 to match up against the Nets when they used Pierce, Johnson or Teletovic at PF. They should have used Fields yet were reluctant to play him and I dont see that changing.

They also lacked a true help defending big. Valanciunas is pretty mobile for his size but is not an elite weakside help defender. Johnsons hustle is admirable yet he is more of a sound defensive and hustle guy. Putting him in a stretch big position or expecting him to be a teams shot blocking presence is not playing him to his strengths. Hes more of a new age Udonis Haslem.

Those are pretty big holes that led to Derozan shooting under 40% being doubled all series and nuetralized and Johnson/Valanciunas constantly in foul trouble which led to a defeat in the first round.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 The Raptors have plenty of holes.

The perimeter shooting was terrible by Ross, Salmons, and Vasquez from the wing. Ross was terrible in the playoffs and really needs to grow in maturity and with his confidence. 

Toronto never had a small 4 to match up against the Nets when they used Pierce, Johnson or Teletovic at PF. They should have used Fields yet were reluctant to play him and I dont see that changing.

They also lacked a true help defending big. Valanciunas is pretty mobile for his size but is not an elite weakside help defender. Johnsons hustle is admirable yet he is more of a sound defensive and hustle guy. Putting him in a stretch big position or expecting him to be a teams shot blocking presence is not playing him to his strengths. Hes more of a new age Udonis Haslem.

Those are pretty big holes that led to Derozan shooting under 40% being doubled all series and nuetralized and Johnson/Valanciunas constantly in foul trouble which led to a defeat in the first round.

[A Real Canadian MountieParticipant]

Glad i’m not the only one who feels we should snag Adrian Payne at 20. This site has him going at 24 to the hornets but I feel Payne will be one of the risers in this draft and could go as high as 14 to Phoenix. He’s 6’10 with a 7’4 wingspan, so he’s got the size to play the 4 or the 5. We had almost no one to back up Valanciunas this year except a washed up Hayes and Patterson/Johnson playing out of position. Also, Payne has the outside touch to compliment a larger line-up alongside Valanciunas if we want to go really big with Vasquez, DeRozan, Ross, Payne, and Valanciunas.

 

At 37 we can someone like Deonte Burton, Jordan Clarkson, or Semaj (if he falls out of the 1st round) as insurance in case Lowry gets offered a contract that we can’t match. Or we can trade the pick along with the 59th one to move up (an aging team like Dallas with might be willing to trade their 34th pick). I don’t think we’ll want more then 2 rookies on an already young team anyways. 

 

[A Real Canadian MountieParticipant]

Glad i’m not the only one who feels we should snag Adrian Payne at 20. This site has him going at 24 to the hornets but I feel Payne will be one of the risers in this draft and could go as high as 14 to Phoenix. He’s 6’10 with a 7’4 wingspan, so he’s got the size to play the 4 or the 5. We had almost no one to back up Valanciunas this year except a washed up Hayes and Patterson/Johnson playing out of position. Also, Payne has the outside touch to compliment a larger line-up alongside Valanciunas if we want to go really big with Vasquez, DeRozan, Ross, Payne, and Valanciunas.

 

At 37 we can someone like Deonte Burton, Jordan Clarkson, or Semaj (if he falls out of the 1st round) as insurance in case Lowry gets offered a contract that we can’t match. Or we can trade the pick along with the 59th one to move up (an aging team like Dallas with might be willing to trade their 34th pick). I don’t think we’ll want more then 2 rookies on an already young team anyways. 

 

[CavFanPRParticipant]

You should trade up for a big man

[CavFanPRParticipant]

You should trade up for a big man

[R-Dot-13Participant]

I want to see the Raptors get a scoring wing off the bench, and an athletic big man. Preferably a defensive one. They could look into signing Vince Carter which I have heard. If they do then they can look for more PG insurance with their second pick. I think Payne is a slam dunk pick if he’s around as he has great length and a good athlete. He has potential on BOTH ends which I love. If he’s gone we can look at Capela or Nurkic too if we go the Euro route. If we want to go wing early then i like Early, Warren and GR3. or Hood if he falls. With the second pick I like players like Hairston, Brown, Kilpatrick and Nick Johnson as guys who can put the ball in the hoop off the bench. McAdoo and McGary are also possiblities if we don’t address big man in the first round. IMO best case scenario is Payne, then one of the guards I said above. I’d be really happy.

[R-Dot-13Participant]

I want to see the Raptors get a scoring wing off the bench, and an athletic big man. Preferably a defensive one. They could look into signing Vince Carter which I have heard. If they do then they can look for more PG insurance with their second pick. I think Payne is a slam dunk pick if he’s around as he has great length and a good athlete. He has potential on BOTH ends which I love. If he’s gone we can look at Capela or Nurkic too if we go the Euro route. If we want to go wing early then i like Early, Warren and GR3. or Hood if he falls. With the second pick I like players like Hairston, Brown, Kilpatrick and Nick Johnson as guys who can put the ball in the hoop off the bench. McAdoo and McGary are also possiblities if we don’t address big man in the first round. IMO best case scenario is Payne, then one of the guards I said above. I’d be really happy.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Bringing in Vince to replace Salmons would be great. Alot of people will see that as a gimmick but he is actually an excellent fit to the team.

At 20 we can then select Ennis to replace Vasquez or Payne to add a stretch big/athletic defensive presence, or add Warren for a true SF that has enough size to play a small PF.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Bringing in Vince to replace Salmons would be great. Alot of people will see that as a gimmick but he is actually an excellent fit to the team.

At 20 we can then select Ennis to replace Vasquez or Payne to add a stretch big/athletic defensive presence, or add Warren for a true SF that has enough size to play a small PF.

[R-Dot-13Participant]

I like Ennis, but I also really like Vasquez and Vasquez loves being in Toronto. I wouldn’t be upset with the pick but I think we should address the need of an athletic big more. The thought of Ejim in the second is also an interesting move. Getting a Canadian would be great whether we go Ennis or someone in the second.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 I agree but if Vasquez demands 6-7 million from the market we cant overpay for a backup PG that we force into SG when Ross plays like garbage.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 I agree but if Vasquez demands 6-7 million from the market we cant overpay for a backup PG that we force into SG when Ross plays like garbage.

[R-Dot-13Participant]

I like Ennis, but I also really like Vasquez and Vasquez loves being in Toronto. I wouldn’t be upset with the pick but I think we should address the need of an athletic big more. The thought of Ejim in the second is also an interesting move. Getting a Canadian would be great whether we go Ennis or someone in the second.

[kazamParticipant]

 It might not be a popular opinion but I would love to see the Raps get their hands on Kristaps, he seems like a really intriguing prospect. I also think that at 20 the Raps could look hard at Payton and Napier, I am assuming that Ennis will be off the board. Getting a promising backup pg at 20 on a rookie scale contract is valuable. I think Napier will be able to step in and play right away, Payton might take a year or two to be a valuable player. 

If the Raps go big with Kristaps at 20 I would like to see them look at Dinwiddie or Micic who are likely to be off the board around that 37th pick. If the Raps go small I could see them looking at Jokic, Deandre Daniels or even the brother of the Greek freak. 

[kazamParticipant]

 It might not be a popular opinion but I would love to see the Raps get their hands on Kristaps, he seems like a really intriguing prospect. I also think that at 20 the Raps could look hard at Payton and Napier, I am assuming that Ennis will be off the board. Getting a promising backup pg at 20 on a rookie scale contract is valuable. I think Napier will be able to step in and play right away, Payton might take a year or two to be a valuable player. 

If the Raps go big with Kristaps at 20 I would like to see them look at Dinwiddie or Micic who are likely to be off the board around that 37th pick. If the Raps go small I could see them looking at Jokic, Deandre Daniels or even the brother of the Greek freak. 

[addi troupaParticipant]

 I absolutely love Adrian Payne and his skillset and I love what he could bring.  However if Payton is there u have to grab him, he looks like a natural pg and with his defensive potential watch it.  His jumper is suspect right now but it’s not broken and he can get to the rim like mad. These small conference PGs are on the rise.  I wouldn’t be mad with Payne though I trust Masai 

[addi troupaParticipant]

 I absolutely love Adrian Payne and his skillset and I love what he could bring.  However if Payton is there u have to grab him, he looks like a natural pg and with his defensive potential watch it.  His jumper is suspect right now but it’s not broken and he can get to the rim like mad. These small conference PGs are on the rise.  I wouldn’t be mad with Payne though I trust Masai 

[Rip255]

 What about Austin Burton with one of their picks. I still think he can be a good player.

[Rip255]

 What about Austin Burton with one of their picks. I still think he can be a good player.

[TekBallParticipant]

 As mentioned above, TO has a few issues to address with their roster.

Needs:

Offense creation

3pt shooting

Starter/backup PG

Starting PF

Backup Center

Starting SF

 

Recommendations in order: ( assume better players are not available )

1. Kyle Anderson = ability to backup PG, can start SG/SF, can create on offense, above average passer and can shoot the 3.

2. TJ Warren = Starting SF that scores buckets.

3. Elfrid Payton = A poor mans Rondo, Defense/Passing/Penetration, needs work on shooting.

4. Adrien Payne = Honestly can’t like a guy who has a "lung condition" and is basically at his peak now.

5. GR3 = Needs time to grow but could be a steal.

6. Thanasis Antetokounmpo = Needs time to grow but could be a steal.

7. Isaiah Austin = Perfect backup big, has time to develop and get stronger.

 

[TekBallParticipant]

 As mentioned above, TO has a few issues to address with their roster.

Needs:

Offense creation

3pt shooting

Starter/backup PG

Starting PF

Backup Center

Starting SF

 

Recommendations in order: ( assume better players are not available )

1. Kyle Anderson = ability to backup PG, can start SG/SF, can create on offense, above average passer and can shoot the 3.

2. TJ Warren = Starting SF that scores buckets.

3. Elfrid Payton = A poor mans Rondo, Defense/Passing/Penetration, needs work on shooting.

4. Adrien Payne = Honestly can’t like a guy who has a "lung condition" and is basically at his peak now.

5. GR3 = Needs time to grow but could be a steal.

6. Thanasis Antetokounmpo = Needs time to grow but could be a steal.

7. Isaiah Austin = Perfect backup big, has time to develop and get stronger.

 

[rayroyParticipant]

Offseason

I know this is a bit off topic, but Masai needs to resign our free agents this year, ie. Kyle Lowry, Grevis Vasquez, Patrick Patterson +/- Nando DeColo.  We should let Salmons go.  Lowry was team leader and played great…hopefully we can keep him for 10-12 mil/season.  Vasquez is a great distributor and had a knack for making key shots/passes down the stretch and having him gives Casey great flexibility in that he can play the 2 guard position.  Patterson/Johnson combo gives us about 19 points/13 rebs/1.7 blocks per game from the PF position.

Rather than trying and drafting a centre, Masai should pick up Cole Aldrich on a cheap 3 year contract as our backup centre.   Centres take years to develop and I don’t believe, other than Embid, that there is a star potential centre in this draft worth drafting and developing.

 

The Draft

Taking into account that Casey values defense, and realizing that having solid defense all around is what makes a team like San Antonio a perennial contender, I think our biggest need is for a long and tall SF who can play D and hit open shots.  If that person can also create their own shot, that’s a bonus.

Hood and K. Anderson are out due to poor defense.  J. Grant has more of a PF game, which leaves TJ Warren, Early, G. Robinson and KJ McDaniels.  My preference by far is G. Robinson as he has the necessary tools and the upside to be very good.

I really like Payton as a PG option.  He would be the perfect backup for Lowry & Vasquez, where he would have an opportunity to gain experience and work on his shot and then in a few years, take over the reins.  However, I see a SF as a bigger need.

With our second round pick, I would draft the best (defensive) PG available.  An ok passer, excellent scorer/shot creator would pair very well with Vasquez on the 2nd unit.  Clarkson/Christon would be ideal, but one of the combo guards may also work out (M. Brown, N. Johnson).

With 3rd pick, take best player available, ideally an international to stash and develop, or a long term development project like an Isaiah Austin, or trade for future 2nd rounder.

I would love to hear comments/feedback.

[rayroyParticipant]

Offseason

I know this is a bit off topic, but Masai needs to resign our free agents this year, ie. Kyle Lowry, Grevis Vasquez, Patrick Patterson +/- Nando DeColo.  We should let Salmons go.  Lowry was team leader and played great…hopefully we can keep him for 10-12 mil/season.  Vasquez is a great distributor and had a knack for making key shots/passes down the stretch and having him gives Casey great flexibility in that he can play the 2 guard position.  Patterson/Johnson combo gives us about 19 points/13 rebs/1.7 blocks per game from the PF position.

Rather than trying and drafting a centre, Masai should pick up Cole Aldrich on a cheap 3 year contract as our backup centre.   Centres take years to develop and I don’t believe, other than Embid, that there is a star potential centre in this draft worth drafting and developing.

 

The Draft

Taking into account that Casey values defense, and realizing that having solid defense all around is what makes a team like San Antonio a perennial contender, I think our biggest need is for a long and tall SF who can play D and hit open shots.  If that person can also create their own shot, that’s a bonus.

Hood and K. Anderson are out due to poor defense.  J. Grant has more of a PF game, which leaves TJ Warren, Early, G. Robinson and KJ McDaniels.  My preference by far is G. Robinson as he has the necessary tools and the upside to be very good.

I really like Payton as a PG option.  He would be the perfect backup for Lowry & Vasquez, where he would have an opportunity to gain experience and work on his shot and then in a few years, take over the reins.  However, I see a SF as a bigger need.

With our second round pick, I would draft the best (defensive) PG available.  An ok passer, excellent scorer/shot creator would pair very well with Vasquez on the 2nd unit.  Clarkson/Christon would be ideal, but one of the combo guards may also work out (M. Brown, N. Johnson).

With 3rd pick, take best player available, ideally an international to stash and develop, or a long term development project like an Isaiah Austin, or trade for future 2nd rounder.

I would love to hear comments/feedback.

[Author]

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