The Toronto Raptors had a successful 2014-15 season when taking a look at the history of the organization. They won back-to-back Atlantic Division regular season titles for the first time in franchise history, and also set the franchise mark for wins in a season with 49. But the Raptors were unceremoniously swept in the first round of the NBA playoffs and for those who watched, calling the Raptors’ season a success would be a stretch.
With Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan secured for the next few seasons, along with backups Greivis Vasquez and Terrence Ross, the Raptors are looking for depth in the forward and center department. Toronto will also be sporting Jonas Valanciunas at center, so they’re really trying to add depth with a forward that can guard multiple positions, the prototypical swingman slot.
But at pick No. 20 in the first round, the majority of immediate impact players will be already be off the board. That doesn’t mean Toronto can’t find a diamond in the rough, though, especially behind GM Masai Ujiri. Will a swingman forward be the piece of the puzzle the Raptors need to advance in the playoffs?
Toronto fans can see the action unfold in person by attending the NBA Draft through Hipmunk.com. Hipmunk offers flights to Brooklyn through most major airline carriers to arrive at the Barclays Center for June 25. Brooklyn hotels start at $42 for those wanting to enjoy the Brooklyn/New York City area for an extended weekend. Cheap NBA Draft tickets can be found on TiqIQ.com, where the average secondary market ticket price is $94.91, with a get-in price of $38.
Let’s analyze a few of the Raptors’ options for the upcoming draft.
Kelly Oubre | Kansas | Guard/Forward | Freshman | 6’7”, 200 lbs
Oubre is the classic NBA Draft hit-or-miss prospect. As a freshman in a major basketball program, Oubre had his ups and downs. In a late five-game stretch, Oubre had games with 14, 15, 12, 12 and 25 points before having four-straight single-digit scoring games, two of which came in the NCAA Tournament when the lights shined brightest. Oubre’s defensive ability and athleticism will be his No. 1 and No. 2 attributes, but the development of a consistent outside shot most likely will decide his NBA fate.
Montrezl Harrell | Louisville | Forward | Junior | 6’8”, 240 lbs.
After watching this NBA season, every team wants to find their next Draymond Green; an athletic forward that can guard four positions and hit an open three-point shot when needed. Harrell can fit the mold if the three-point shot becomes a little more consistent. Harrell may have put a little too much pressure on himself at Louisville trying to prove he could hit the three-point shot. Although he shot 24.3 percent from distance last season, he did have multiple games with more than one three made, and has shown some promise in that area.
Kevon Looney | UCLA | Freshman | Forward | 6’9”, 220 lbs.
Looney is the best rebounder of the three options and has scary length that lets him get up and down the floor seemingly easier than everyone else. Physically gifted, but raw offensively and will do most of his work on the glass. The post-up game showed up in spurts at UCLA, putting him all over the draft map. If Looney were to fall to pick No. 20, the Raptors would jump at the opportunity.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
