Despite the Raptor's amazing regular season with a franchise record of 56 wins and 26 losses and that they made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, our team managed to get the ninth pick in the NBA 2016 Draft; that's a lottery pick! It just amazes me that the Toronto Raptors has such a great pick in this year's draft when you consider what they did in 2015-2016; the Raptors got the ninth pick in the draft. I thought they would get a lower pick based on their performance but I'm glad they got a lottery pick nonetheless. That being said, here are the players that we're most likely going to draft.
The player that we're most likely going to draft for the 2016-2017 season is Jakob Poeltl. A 7'1 sophomore centre playing for Utah. He averaged 17.2 points per game and 9.1 rebounds per game in his sophomore season.. These are great stats for a sophomore. This is what HoopsHype has to say about him: "Poeltl is well liked by many scouts for his ability to play both ends of the floor and would add depth to the Raptors' front court." In my opinion, I think he would be a great addition to the team since we do need more depth to our front court but considering Biyombo's performance during the playoffs, I highly doubt that the Raptors will draft. However, Poeltl does show promise and it's not for sure if Biyombo, but if we do draft this sophomore, he'll be a great addition to the team.
The player that the Raptors have a possibility on drafting is Marquese Chriss. A 6'9 freshman power forward playing for Washington. Chriss averaged 13.7 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game in his freshman season. Not bad considering it's his first college season but there are many players who have put in monstrous stats during their first season. This is what HoopsHype has to say about him: "Chriss is one of the biggest boom or bust picks of this year's draft. He is likely two years away from contributing anything meaningful. But his combination of length, athleticism, and shooting touch has scouts drooling." In my opinion, he'll also be another great addition to the team as it is not confirmed yet if we'll keep Patterson and Biyombo in our team. Even if they do stay, Chriss can also be a combo player playing in the small forward position considering his height. We need a player who can shoot threes and has athleticism for our small forward position. Ross and DeRozan switch between these two roles but considering their height and frame and that DeRozan is not a three point shooter and that T Ross is inconsistent with threes, Chriss will more than make up for that. Caroll is our starting small forward as of right now but drafting Chriss into the team will add depth to the team.
Personally, I would prefer Marquese Chriss over Jakob Poeltl. We really need a small forward that has athleticism, height, and can shoot threes. Chriss showcases the skills in his highlights. Even though he plays the Power Forward position, he can mix between small forward and power forward. Playing the small forward position also benefits the team as many small forwards are lower than 6'9 which will help us but there are also players like Kevin Durant and Paul George who are both 6'9 that play the small forward position. Chriss can match up to these two when you consider his build and height. Hopefully, I hope the Raptors draft this guy as he shows amazing potential to be a combo forward.
#WETHENORTH
