Toronto Raptors Mock Draft: The Greatest Option at Each Pick
Following all of the roster changes, Toronto ultimately ended with a 25-57 record. The Raptors are presently sixth in the draft lottery’s odds to get the first pick, which takes place next month. Even though there might not be as many options in the 2024 NBA Draft as in recent years, Toronto has a clear chance to improve the roster. Which prospects should they be lusting after, having secured three of the first thirty-one picks?
#6 Overall Pick: Ja’Kobe Walter (G, Baylor)
Avg. 14.5 Points Per Game in 2023-24
Toronto should be closely monitoring their 2024 draft strategy. Teams who have more than one first-round pick in the same draft are frequently able to upset the status quo through trade. It makes sense for Toronto to keep adding guys who have the potential to be stars in the future to the top half of the roster if they decide to hang onto the choice.
6’5 shooting guard Ja’Kobe Walter of Baylor had a good rookie season, scoring about 15 points a game and leading the Bears to the NCAA Tournament. Walter is among the skilled backcourt players in this year’s field, depending on who you ask. Outside shooting is the most adaptable part of Walter’s game; he enjoys putting on prolific three-point performances throughout a game. Walter’s field goal percentage from downtown indicates that he has the potential to specialize in this region, despite his poor overall performance of 38%.
Walter’s potential as an outside shooter and defender complements all-star Scottie Barnes, Barrett, Quickley, and recently drafted wing Gradey Dick perfectly. In addition, he might make a good replacement for Gary Trent Jr., who is eligible to sign free agent contracts this summer. When Walter shows off his abilities in private sessions, people should no longer be concerned about his shot selection and fundamental percentages. His approach can be developed into something unique in Toronto’s system, better than any other shooting guard being considered for the lottery.
#17 overall pick: Kel’el Ware (C, Indiana)
Former Five-Star, HS Prospect
Toronto has not always had great success selecting elite big men in the draft. Typically, they are more successful in going after undrafted centers and power forwards, favoring positionless threats a la Barnes.
Kel’el Ware of Indiana is the best of both worlds; as a developing shooter and hybrid shot-blocker, he possesses modern characteristics that are desired by all NBA teams. After a disorganized season with the Oregon Ducks, Ware transferred to Indiana and had an amazing breakout sophomore campaign.
A McDonald’s All-American in 2022, Ware struggled to establish himself until he moved to Bloomington. The fact that he received excellent coaching from former NBA coach Mike Woodson at Indiana will give him an advantage over some of his competitors when they enter the league. With his natural ability and agility, Ware was one of the hardest players in college basketball to cover in the nation. Woodson gave him the freedom to dominate the stat sheet in every aspect of the game, from scoring to grabbing rebounds to guarding the paint.
On a squad like Toronto, Ware’s willingness to perform the “little things” is encouraging. Barnes, who can play defense as well as offense, should click with Ware up top for lobs right away. Minutes may be scarce in the beginning because the lane is patrolled by seasoned players Kelly Olynyk and Jakob Poeltl. But Ware’s can-do attitude will put him ahead of all the recent Toronto draft picks.
#31 overall pick: Tyler Kolek (G, Marquette)
Avg. 7.7 Assists Per Game in 2023-24
Tyler Kolek of Marquette is one of the draft’s more overlooked prospects. Seniors have not received as much attention as they have in the last ten or so years; Kolek’s age is perhaps the biggest factor working against him in terms of his initial NBA fit.
Although Toronto is free to choose any number of routes, assuming they keep every pick, expect them to target at least one upperclassman. The team currently has a squad that includes large wings like Barrett, Trent Jr., and Dick in addition to quick guards like Quickley. To ensure that everyone participates aggressively, there must be a valid table-setter.