NBA
Latest Mock Draft Has Raptors Taking NCAA’s Biggest Star
It’s officially mock draft season.
For those following the Toronto Raptors, this may be the only fun part of the next few months. Toronto has essentially punted on the final month of the season, hoping to increase its lottery odds to land a better draft pick in June.
Who could the Raptors be eyeing?
Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft from Jonathan Wasserman may reveal some hints.
No. 6: Ron Holland (G League Ignite)
Holland was once considered to be a prospect at the very top of this draft but an inconsistent season with the G League Ignite with lackluster efficiency statistics has hurt him a little. What’s clear, though, is the 6-foot-8 wing is a tear in transition with a high-end motor that should help him find a role at the next level immediately.
The 18-year-old played in 29 G League games this year, averaging a team-high 19.5 points with 6.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game before his season was cut short with a thumb injury. His 24% three-point shooting and 55.9% True Shooting percentage have raised some eyebrows, but considering his age and athletic ability, it’s unlikely Holland falls too far down the first round.
No. 17: Ja’Kobe Walter (Baylor Bears)
Walter is another physically gifted wing whose offensive efficiency this season with the Baylor Bears has raised some questions about his role at the next level. He’s shooting just 37.3% from the floor with a 53.8% True Shooting percentage and an inconsistent three-point stroke despite being a three-point marksman in high school.
Defensively, the 19-year-old wing has left something to be desired. He’s 6-foot-5 and has the prototypical wing size to be good defensively but it he hasn’t been consistent enough for a Bears team whose defense has dipped this season.
Walter has been projected to go much higher by other prognosticators and has a chance to improve his stock with a long run in the tournament. It’ll come down to how scouts view his three-point shooting as a potential 3-and-D wing at the next level.
No. 32: Zach Edey (Purdue)
The 7-foot-4 Edey has been the most dominant collegiate men’s basketball player for years now. He led the country in scoring, averaging 24.4 points and 11.7, and is on his way to his second consecutive Player of the Year award.
A resume like that would typically suggest the Canadian center should be tabbed to go early in the first round, but concerns about Edey’s quickness and his ability to defend quick guards in the pick-and-roll at the next level have him pegged to go much later. He may end up being a situational role player in the NBA and the kind of player who would have been better suited to play in the league a decade or two ago.
Considering Toronto has Jakob Poeltl and Kelly Olynyk under contract next year, there’d be no rush for Edey to take on a big role immediately. He’d prove the Raptors with a younger option and potentially someone who could grow with Toronto’s young core.