The Raptors were the unluckiest franchise at the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery.
Toronto went into the night with a top-six protected first-round pick by way of their 2023 trade deadline acquisition of Jakob Poeltl from the Spurs. The Raptors had the sixth-best odds to land the No. 1 overall pick and desperately needed to stay in the top six to keep their selection.
The ping pong balls did not fall in their favor. Toronto dropped to No. 8 overall, sending its pick to San Antonio.
The Raptors still have a first-round pick via the deal that sent Pascal Siakam to the Pacers at this year’s trade deadline. They also have the first pick of the second round, which could have first-round-caliber value given the uncertainty surrounding most prospects in this draft.
Who could the Raptors target with their two 2024 NBA Draft picks? The Sporting News takes a look at a few options below.
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The Raptors have one first-round pick and one second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Toronto owns Indiana’s first-round pick from the Siakam trade deadline deal.
The Pistons’ second-round pick was previously owned by the Knicks, who traded it to the Raptors in the blockbuster deal that exchanged O.G. Anunoby for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.
The Raptors could use guard or wing depth in the 2024 NBA Draft, but there are a couple of enticing big men who could also be in play when they’re on the clock.
Prospects such as Providence guard Devin Carter, USC guard Isaiah Collier and Duke guard Jared McCain are all expected to be off the board by the Raptors’ first-round pick, but any of the trio would be a strong fit if available at No. 19.
Take a look at a few realistic options that could pique Toronto’s interest.
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Kyshawn George, Miami
George is a 6-8 guard with a 6-10 wingspan who shot 40.8% from 3-point range on 130 attempts as a freshman at Miami. Need I say more?
The 20-year-old not only fits a need for the Raptors as a sharpshooting wing, but he also fits Toronto’s desire to bring in versatile prospects with length. George projects as a high-upside combo guard with a budding offensive skillset as a shot creator.
Carlton Carrington, Pittsburgh
Carrington would be another longer-term project for the Raptors, but his potential is clear to see.
The 18-year-old is a super-talented shot-creator who has already shown pro-caliber moves to shake defenders. His scoring prowess and playmaking would be a major boost for Toronto’s second unit, offering a similar playstyle to starting point guard Immanuel Quickley.
Zach Edey, Purdue
The Raptors have a history of trying to court Canadians to their homeland franchise, so why not give Edey a look?
Edey improved enough during his senior season at Purdue to warrant first-round consideration. If his 29.5 points, 14.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game during a run to the national championship weren’t enough to sell, he also showed that his conditioning and mobility are up to par. He played all but two minutes and 50 seconds over his last four games from the Sweet 16 to the title match.
The Raptors already have a center rotation with Poeltl and Kelly Olynyk, but the latter can play the four and stretch the floor. Edey would offer a different type of size and physical presence as a backup five.
Kel’el Ware, Indiana
If the Raptors aren’t looking for another traditional big man behind Poeltl, Ware would offer a more modern-style center in today’s NBA.
The Indiana sophomore is a 7-footer with a 7-4.5 wingspan. He is an athletic and mobile rim-runner who can block shots and throw down lobs. He has even flashed a developing offensive game with a soft shooting touch to potentially extend his range beyond the 3-point line.
Pacome Dadiet, Ulm (Germany): Dadiet is a 6-8 forward with unlimited potential as a shot-creating scorer. He is one of the youngest players in this draft class.
Jaylon Tyson, California: Tyson is a more seasoned forward as a 21-year-old senior but he can play any position on the perimeter, handle the ball and score from all three levels.
