Potential Raptors targets are shown in the most recent mock drafts.
Can we begin anticipating the NBA Draft too soon? The answer is probably not for the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors have had that kind of season; with 27 games remaining after the All-Star break, they are currently 19-36. Worse, the organization might not even have a lottery selection for this year’s problems.
With Detroit’s second-round pick at No. 31 if the season ends today and Indiana’s first-round pick, presently projected to be No. 17, Toronto will have at least two picks in the 2024 Draft even without its own first-round selection. Toronto might do the following with those selections, according to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic:
No. 17: Baylor’s Yves Missi
Although Jakob Poeltl and Kelly Olynyk, two of the Raptors’ more experienced centers, are anticipated to return for the upcoming campaign, Toronto will be missing a developing big man in Christian Koloko due to his departure this season. That vacancy can be partially filled by Baylor’s 7-foot Yves Missi.
With an average of 11.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, the 19-year-old rookie has found himself in the Bears starting lineup this season. Being an intriguing talent who still needs to reach the highest degree of skill development, he would be an upside pick. He has the footwork to adjust defensively to the perimeter in a pinch and can be effective as a pick-and-roll lob threat.
While he hasn’t attempted a single three-point shot at Baylor this season, he isn’t much of a shooter like Poeltl. Though there isn’t much shooting potential left unrealized, his 57.9% free-throw shooting should raise some concerns.
As low as No. 22 by ESPN and as high as No. 12 by Bleacher Report, Missi has been touted as a mid-first-round choice by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Oso Ighodaro (Marquette) is number 31.
Oso Ighodaro, 21, possesses the size and potential to be a better NBA player than Missi if the Raptors are looking for a big man. Originally from Marquette, 6-foot-11 forward Ighodaro is a fascinating and adaptable big man with the kind of playmaking ability Toronto’s new offensive approach needs.
He is an important member of the No. 7-ranked Golden Eagles, averaging 14.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.
Ighodaro, who has only tried two three-pointers this season, is another non-shooter. Questions are raised about his potential for shooting growth given his 63.7% free-throw shooting percentage. On the other hand, he is an astute creator from the pick-and-roll, possessing exceptional passing abilities and a fantastic floater.
A more versatile defensive player who is better equipped to switch to the perimeter in the appropriate scheme would offer greater defensive versatility than Missi. His mockery has ranked him as high as No. 18, ahead of Missi, on ESPN, or as low as No. 37 on ESPN.