While many Toronto Raptors fans were cheering for the team to hold onto the 8th playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, the realists among us were aware of what the off-season has in store. If the Raptors had secured the eighth seed, they would have also had to surrender their lottery protected first round pick to the Miami Heat, as part of the Shawn Marion–Jermaine O’Neal deal from last year. With the looming free agency of franchise player Chris Bosh looming this summer, and the likelihood of getting swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first found of the playoffs, it became apparent that missing out on the postseason was actually in the team’s long-term best interest.
The Raptors are not in contention for franchise savior John Wall, barring a miracle in the May 18th Draft Lottery, but the 2010 Draft has an unusually strong class that GM Bryan Colangelo is sure so be watching closely. After a coin-flip tiebreaker loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, the Raptors currently sit with the 13th overall pick in the draft. Due in large part to the fear of a lockout following next season, there have been few underclassmen that have decided to return to school this year. Therefore, Toronto is in an ideal position to draft a big man to take Bosh’s spot following his likely exit.
Many around the organization, including close friend Jarrett Jack, have been quick to dismiss the prospect of Bosh leaving the Raps for greener pastures this summer, but the reality has surely set in internally. He has continually expressed a desire to play on a winning franchise, and Toronto continues to fail to produce a winner, no matter the extent of Colagelo’s off-season tinkering.
With Andrea Bargnani occupying the center spot, despite his reluctance to hit the boards, there is a glaring need for a new four man for next year. First-year Raptor Amir Johnson showed flashes of brilliance down the stretch, but he is likely better suited for an energy role off the bench. So the focus of this years draft must be a big man, and thankfully this year’s class is heavy with such prospects.
Here is a look at the potential targets for the Raptors:
Ekpe Udoh
The 6’10 junior out of Baylor burst onto the scene by leading his team to the Elite Eight in March Madness this year. Known for his shot-blocking prowess, thanks in large part to his 7’4 wingspan, Udoh is seen to still be relatively raw on the offensive end of the court. As he is already 23, the potential for him to develop any semblance of an offensive game are dim. While he has some attractive qualities that the Raptors are lacking, he does not have the instincts on the offensive end to be a starter in the league.
Pattrick Patterson
Former high school teammate of OJ Mayo, Patterson finally declared for the draft alongside the rest of the Wildcat class. Despite having to take a backseat to Wall, Cousens and Bledsoe this year, Patterson developed his outside shooting significantly this season. The most alarming aspect of his game is his lack to get on the defensive boards, something that has not place on the Raptors roster, especially with the aforementioned big men who have little desire to hit the boards. He will be an excellent career energy man off the bench, but does not have the all around game that the Raps are looking for.
Ed Davis
Despite missing the NCAA Tournament, and suffering from a broken wrist, Davis decided to come out this year. The lefty big sophomore struggles to create his own shot, as the majority of his offensive game takes place around the rim. He stays away from using his right hand at all cost, and took a total of four jumpers all year. He has all the physical tools to be a dominant player, but will require a few years before he develops into a dominant low post threat at the next level.
Greg Monroe
After Georgetown’s early exit from March Madness this year, it was unclear whether Monroe would return to make amends next year. His knowledge of the game and basketball instincts are seen to be his most valuable asset, as he displayed exceptional court vision and passing abilities in two seasons for the Hoyas. He too lacks anything resembling a right hand, but his solid footwork in the post hopefully projects towards a developing offensive game. His ability to see the floor is an asset that the Raptors would love, and he looks like an interesting prospect if he is still on the board for Toronto.
Daniel Orton
While he was the most overshadowed of the Kentucky Wildcat freshman this year, Orton was highly regarded out of high school, and has all of the physical tools to be successful in the league. In his limited time on the court this year, he showed flashes of brilliance, with a nice touch around the basket, and even stepping out for a few mid-range jumpers. He has NBA size, and showed the ability to crash the boards with several impressive put backs throughout the season. If the Raptors have the patience to develop him, Orton could be one of the biggest sleepers of the draft.
Hassan Whiteside
The unheralded frosh out of Marshall burst onto the scene this year on both ends of the floor. Standing 7’0 with a wingspan of 7’6, Whiteside led the NCAA in blocked shots this year and managed to chip in on the offensive side as well. While he struggles dishing the ball around, and showed an inability to adapt to the complexities of the college offense, his size is what jumps off the charts and will likely make him a lottery pick. The Raptors might be wary of his raw offensive game, but they would benefit immediately from his defensive presence.
Conclusion
There are several big man prospects who the Raptors could focus on in this years draft, each with their own benefits and downsides Overall, Monroe seems to be the most NBA ready player, that being said he is also likely to be off the board by 13. But there is a possibility that he does not measure up on paper as well as the likes of Whiteside and Orton, which could see him fall slightly. Davis also seems to be an interesting all around player, however he seems to lack one of the tools that made Bosh such a dangerous player, a jumper.
Editor’s Note: Lawrence Dushenski is a Toronto Raptors fan. You can follow him on twitter @LD10.
