Raps 2020 Picks (Prospect Watch, Update: Vecenie Mock Released)

[JShuttlesworth]

Bane is like a plug&play senior (Siakam, FVV, TD, all seniors). I think Nurse's system takes solid players and has them complement the team. Saddiq Bey is a no brainer at #28. I'm guessing he'll be like Mikal Bridges.

I'm just not big on Bane, I'm definitely not part of his hype train. Bane isn't even on my short list for the 28th pick (not that it matters).

I almost didn't include the bit about Bane in my original post, because I knew the topic would move to him, which it instantly did.

I like Bey on the the hand, he looks solid. I don't think a lot of what he does offensively in college will translate to the NBA with better / bigger defenders (at least right away). He'll be limited to more of a 3&D type of role, and he'll have to work on his catch and shoot....But Saddiq isn't going to be on the board, so I don't think he's worth talking about too much.

With regards to the beefy TRoss comparison. I would argue a beefy TRoss with the 28th pick would be a steal.

I mean beefy as a less high flying version. Just something the Raptors don't need with Powell, TD and Watson.

For me the Mendoza line is Paul Watson. Hughes is a 22 year old so not that young. Will he be better than Watson? If not, should focus on a combo forward or PF/C.

As for Bane, he's just an anomaly that he's so muscular but shoots the ball so well from deep. Most of the shooters that shoot over 40% from 3 are not so ripped. He's like a stronger, better shooting and passing Josh Hart.

https://hoopshype.com/2020/04/09/2020-nba-draft-stock-desmond-bane-tcu-horned-frogs/

I'd rather have a big like Tillman or (Carey, Smith, etc) but would be okay with Bane and his shooting.

For the record I don't think he's anything like T-Ross, I just thought it was funny you compared him to a guy who is averaging 15 a game and will end up having a 10+ year NBA career. Any 28 pick would be lucky to play to that level.

Something we don't need? Size, 3-point shooting, and scoring from the wing is something we don't need? If it's something we don't need than you might as well count out all of the wing prospects, unless you're drafting solely on D. I'd argue it's exactly what we need.

Paul Watson isn't good, his college stats sucked, of course I think he'll be better than Paul Watson. Some G-League success doesn't change that, he'll be lucky to earn rotation time in the NBA. I can't even tell if that rebuttal was serious. He's 25 but you mention Hughes' age of 22 like it counts against him.

[Dalek]

Are either of these Razorbacks a better SG/SF prospect than Paul Watson? If not, why use a draft pick on them?

https://gleague.nba.com/player/paul-watson/

I don't understand the hype surrounding Watson. He's done pretty well for himself as a G-Leaguer but hasn't proven a lick in the NBA, and was underwhelming as a collegiate athlete to say the least.

True he is unproven but you watch him on the 905 and he took a step forward like Boucher did in his MVP year.

Watson is intriguing because he is a volume 3 point shooter while also being a fearless attacker going to the basket. He is a plus athlete so you gamble on these guys because he has the NBA body and some tools. He is 25 so not a bad gamble for a rotation guy. Kind of like Malcolm Miller except a bit more killer instinct.

[Psubs]

Are either of these Razorbacks a better SG/SF prospect than Paul Watson? If not, why use a draft pick on them?

https://gleague.nba.com/player/paul-watson/

I don't understand the hype surrounding Watson. He's done pretty well for himself as a G-Leaguer but hasn't proven a lick in the NBA, and was underwhelming as a collegiate athlete to say the least.

True he is unproven but you watch him on the 905 and he took a step forward like Boucher did in his MVP year.

Watson is intriguing because he is a volume 3 point shooter while also being a fearless attacker going to the basket. He is a plus athlete so you gamble on these guys because he has the NBA body and some tools. He is 25 so not a bad gamble for a rotation guy. Kind of like Malcolm Miller except a bit more killer instinct.

Miller is like McCaw without the passing and defense.

I would rank the G-League as somewhere between like the NCAA and Euroleague. It's like AAA in MLB.

Watson could be a late bloomer like Anthony Parker. As I explained before he was playing with an NBA player that took shots and other prospects later. I'm fine with him not being a chucker that hogged the ball and took away shots from better players. I just stated that 22 is not young either and that Watson's 1 good G-League season is better than any that Hughes has put up.

The Raptors don't need to gamble on super high upside players, just those that will help keep the factory line moving. I guess we have OG on the wing. Can sign a vet backup wing too if needed.

RHJ should get closer to half the MLE. We can just sign another player for $2-3 million / 1.

I think we could develop Reed into a SF. Right now he's a PF with some dribbling, some potential for 3-pt range (fix hitch), but he can defend SF's on the perimeter.

Watch on YouTube

https://stats.nba.com/articles/2020-nba-draft-profile-paul-reed

He might be like Robert Horry if he gets a decent 3pt shot. Able to play SF until 30 with loss of speed.

Maybe poor man's Kirilenko (only able to shoot 31% from 3 for his career)?

[SharoneWright]

Killian Tillie needs to decide he wants to be a Rap. Throw out a bunch of smoke about going back to school next year, and let MU take him at 58.

[LoveMyRaps]

Here is another intriguing prospect:

Jared Savage out of Western Kentucky.

1 of only 12 players in the country to have 201 rebounds, 33 steals, 31 blocks. Pretty random but very impressive when you consider that he's a 6'5/205lb guard.
He was a defensive player of the year nominee & he also happens to be a tremendous shooter.

Watch on YouTube

[JShuttlesworth]

^^^ Elijah Hughes just lead the ACC in scoring, which is probably a Top 5 conference in the NCAA. I'd say that counts for more a lot more than Watson has ever done. I had no idea anyone liked this guy so much.

You don't have to like Hughes, but to say we don't need a scoring wing and then to big up Watson like he's done something is crazy.

[Mark_83]

Bane is like a plug&play senior (Siakam, FVV, TD, all seniors). I think Nurse's system takes solid players and has them complement the team. Saddiq Bey is a no brainer at #28. I'm guessing he'll be like Mikal Bridges.

I'm just not big on Bane, I'm definitely not part of his hype train. Bane isn't even on my short list for the 28th pick (not that it matters).

I almost didn't include the bit about Bane in my original post, because I knew the topic would move to him, which it instantly did.

I like Bey on the the hand, he looks solid. I don't think a lot of what he does offensively in college will translate to the NBA with better / bigger defenders (at least right away). He'll be limited to more of a 3&D type of role, and he'll have to work on his catch and shoot....But Saddiq isn't going to be on the board, so I don't think he's worth talking about too much.

With regards to the beefy TRoss comparison. I would argue a beefy TRoss with the 28th pick would be a steal.

I mean beefy as a less high flying version. Just something the Raptors don't need with Powell, TD and Watson.

For me the Mendoza line is Paul Watson. Hughes is a 22 year old so not that young. Will he be better than Watson? If not, should focus on a combo forward or PF/C.

As for Bane, he's just an anomaly that he's so muscular but shoots the ball so well from deep. Most of the shooters that shoot over 40% from 3 are not so ripped. He's like a stronger, better shooting and passing Josh Hart.

https://hoopshype.com/2020/04/09/2020-nba-draft-stock-desmond-bane-tcu-horned-frogs/

I'd rather have a big like Tillman or (Carey, Smith, etc) but would be okay with Bane and his shooting.

I want Bane for the Batman references alone.

Seriously though his shooting ability is ridiculous. At the very least you replace Matt Thomas and McCaw with him.

What's his defense look like? I heard he's got some issues there.

[Mark_83]

So what are our potential needs next season?

Siakam-Boucher-???
OG-???-???
Ibaka/Gasol-???
Norm-TDIII-McCaw
Lowry-FVV-???

I'm seeing potential openings at third string PG/PG of the future to groom.

Options: Tyrell Terry, Kira Lewis, Jared Butler, Malachi Flynn, Cassius Winston.

Opening at backup wing, SF/SG.

Options: Patrick Williams, Tyler Bey, Robert Woodard, CJ Elleby, Cassius Stanley, Desmond Bane, Malik Fitts, Paul Eboua, Lamine Diane, Chris Smith, Jay Scrubb, Skylar Mays.

Opening at backup big.

Options: Xavier Tillman, Daniel Oturu, Mamadi Diakite, Paul Reed, Reggie Perry, Zeke Nnaji, Jalen Smith, Isaiah Stewart, Killian Tillie.

Short term, I would think a big or wing would be our bigger needs. We are looking vulnerable at positions 3, 4, 5 with Ibaka, Gasol, RHJ, Boucher becoming free agents.

Long term, we don't have a center prospect to take the reins from Gasol/Ibaka. Other positions we have our future starters lined up (Fred, Norm, OG, Siakam).

Hopefully there's a center that the Raptors like this draft.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2895005-nba-mock-draft-2020-lottery-odds-schedule-predictions-for-top-prospects

I'm fine with Tillman as an undersized defensive PF/C. He has changed his body during his college career so maybe he's able to keep working and develop more strength and quickness?

Like in the future when teams go small; FVV, TD, OG, Siakam, Tillman.

I really want us to walk out of this draft with Tillman, though not necessarily at pick 28. I'm hoping we can buy an early second like GS did to get Jordan Bell.

I don't see a better fit with the Raptors among the bugs in this draft outside of Okonkwu, who surely won't make it to us. The only other big that fits as well in my view is Diakite, and maybe Stewart (though he's more of a Bobby Portis type).

[Sir-Swish-A-Lot]

RealGM https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/258378/Draft-Workouts-Unlikely-Early-Discussions-Taking-Place-For-Potentially-Meeting-Prospects-In-Orlando

Player workouts leading up to the NBA Draft are unlikely due to liability issues, league sources told Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz of ESPN.

There are preliminary discussions for the possibility of a prospect gathering in Orlando that could include medical testing, player measurements, and interviews.

The league's preference is to see how the initial weeks in Orlando go before deciding on whether to bring prospects to Orlando.

The 2020 draft is tentatively scheduled for October 15th.

[Psubs]

^^^ Elijah Hughes just lead the ACC in scoring, which is probably a Top 5 conference in the NCAA. I'd say that counts for more a lot more than Watson has ever done. I had no idea anyone liked this guy so much.

You don't have to like Hughes, but to say we don't need a scoring wing and then to big up Watson like he's done something is crazy.

Cole Anthony put up 18.5 ppg as a freshman in the ACC and I think he's going to be mediocre like Colin Sexton and Darius Garland.

I want Bane for the Batman references alone.

Seriously though his shooting ability is ridiculous. At the very least you replace Matt Thomas and McCaw with him.

What's his defense look like? I heard he's got some issues there.

He's a decent defender, just doesn't get that many deflections, blocks and steals because of his wingspan, like Dillon Brooks.

He is very strong so even with his short wingpspan, I can see him guard some SFs.

I really want us to walk out of this draft with Tillman, though not necessarily at pick 28. I'm hoping we can buy an early second like GS did to get Jordan Bell.

I don't see a better fit with the Raptors among the bugs in this draft outside of Okonkwu, who surely won't make it to us. The only other big that fits as well in my view is Diakite, and maybe Stewart (though he's more of a Bobby Portis type).

Agreed. I'm good with Tillman at #28.

[Syd-TK3]

Short term, I would think a big or wing would be our bigger needs. We are looking vulnerable at positions 3, 4, 5 with Ibaka, Gasol, RHJ, Boucher becoming free agents.

Long term, we don't have a center prospect to take the reins from Gasol/Ibaka. Other positions we have our future starters lined up (Fred, Norm, OG, Siakam).

Hopefully there's a center that the Raptors like this draft.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2895005-nba-mock-draft-2020-lottery-odds-schedule-predictions-for-top-prospects

I'm fine with Tillman as an undersized defensive PF/C. He has changed his body during his college career so maybe he's able to keep working and develop more strength and quickness?

Like in the future when teams go small; FVV, TD, OG, Siakam, Tillman.

I really want us to walk out of this draft with Tillman, though not necessarily at pick 28. I'm hoping we can buy an early second like GS did to get Jordan Bell.

I don't see a better fit with the Raptors among the bugs in this draft outside of Okonkwu, who surely won't make it to us. The only other big that fits as well in my view is Diakite, and maybe Stewart (though he's more of a Bobby Portis type).

I could be wrong but I'm pretty confident that we will be drafting one of Tillman or Reed at 28 if they are available and there's no OG type player that drops.

Philly has a whole bunch of picks in the 2nd so they might be an option

[Mark_83]

^^^ Elijah Hughes just lead the ACC in scoring, which is probably a Top 5 conference in the NCAA. I'd say that counts for more a lot more than Watson has ever done. I had no idea anyone liked this guy so much.

You don't have to like Hughes, but to say we don't need a scoring wing and then to big up Watson like he's done something is crazy.

Cole Anthony put up 18.5 ppg as a freshman in the ACC and I think he's going to be mediocre like Colin Sexton and Darius Garland.

I want Bane for the Batman references alone.

Seriously though his shooting ability is ridiculous. At the very least you replace Matt Thomas and McCaw with him.

What's his defense look like? I heard he's got some issues there.

He's a decent defender, just doesn't get that many deflections, blocks and steals because of his wingspan, like Dillon Brooks.

He is very strong so even with his short wingpspan, I can see him guard some SFs.

I really want us to walk out of this draft with Tillman, though not necessarily at pick 28. I'm hoping we can buy an early second like GS did to get Jordan Bell.

I don't see a better fit with the Raptors among the bugs in this draft outside of Okonkwu, who surely won't make it to us. The only other big that fits as well in my view is Diakite, and maybe Stewart (though he's more of a Bobby Portis type).

Agreed. I'm good with Tillman at #28.

To get Bane and Tillman we need another pick between 30 and 40 imo. That would be a huge get. Bane's effortless stroke is a thing of beauty.

[casual_raps_fan]

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2895005-nba-mock-draft-2020-lottery-odds-schedule-predictions-for-top-prospects

I'm fine with Tillman as an undersized defensive PF/C. He has changed his body during his college career so maybe he's able to keep working and develop more strength and quickness?

Like in the future when teams go small; FVV, TD, OG, Siakam, Tillman.

I really want us to walk out of this draft with Tillman, though not necessarily at pick 28. I'm hoping we can buy an early second like GS did to get Jordan Bell.

I don't see a better fit with the Raptors among the bugs in this draft outside of Okonkwu, who surely won't make it to us. The only other big that fits as well in my view is Diakite, and maybe Stewart (though he's more of a Bobby Portis type).

I could be wrong but I'm pretty confident that we will be drafting one of Tillman or Reed at 28 if they are available and there's no OG type player that drops.

Philly has a whole bunch of picks in the 2nd so they might be an option

I hope you’re right. That’s exactly what I’m hoping for. Select a guy who drops from the lottery or one of Reed or Tillman.

Honestly though, I’m a nobody and I trust the Raptors front office’s decisions far more than my own so I’ll be content with whatever they do. They’re top of the line at what they do.

[Mark_83]

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2895005-nba-mock-draft-2020-lottery-odds-schedule-predictions-for-top-prospects

I'm fine with Tillman as an undersized defensive PF/C. He has changed his body during his college career so maybe he's able to keep working and develop more strength and quickness?

Like in the future when teams go small; FVV, TD, OG, Siakam, Tillman.

I really want us to walk out of this draft with Tillman, though not necessarily at pick 28. I'm hoping we can buy an early second like GS did to get Jordan Bell.

I don't see a better fit with the Raptors among the bugs in this draft outside of Okonkwu, who surely won't make it to us. The only other big that fits as well in my view is Diakite, and maybe Stewart (though he's more of a Bobby Portis type).

I could be wrong but I'm pretty confident that we will be drafting one of Tillman or Reed at 28 if they are available and there's no OG type player that drops.

Philly has a whole bunch of picks in the 2nd so they might be an option

Would Philly help us though? They're more likely to just pick a draft and stash or trade with someone else.

[Mark_83]

I really want us to walk out of this draft with Tillman, though not necessarily at pick 28. I'm hoping we can buy an early second like GS did to get Jordan Bell.

I don't see a better fit with the Raptors among the bugs in this draft outside of Okonkwu, who surely won't make it to us. The only other big that fits as well in my view is Diakite, and maybe Stewart (though he's more of a Bobby Portis type).

I could be wrong but I'm pretty confident that we will be drafting one of Tillman or Reed at 28 if they are available and there's no OG type player that drops.

Philly has a whole bunch of picks in the 2nd so they might be an option

I hope you’re right. That’s exactly what I’m hoping for. Select a guy who drops from the lottery or one of Reed or Tillman.

Honestly though, I’m a nobody and I trust the Raptors front office’s decisions far more than my own so I’ll be content with whatever they do. They’re top of the line at what they do.

Agreed. I've never had such faith in a Toronto front office's draft prowess before, to the point that I would be ok with any pick even if it seems counterintitive to me.

[casual_raps_fan]

I really want us to walk out of this draft with Tillman, though not necessarily at pick 28. I'm hoping we can buy an early second like GS did to get Jordan Bell.

I don't see a better fit with the Raptors among the bugs in this draft outside of Okonkwu, who surely won't make it to us. The only other big that fits as well in my view is Diakite, and maybe Stewart (though he's more of a Bobby Portis type).

I could be wrong but I'm pretty confident that we will be drafting one of Tillman or Reed at 28 if they are available and there's no OG type player that drops.

Philly has a whole bunch of picks in the 2nd so they might be an option

Would Philly help us though? They're more likely to just pick a draft and stash or trade with someone else.

They'd be complete fools if they did that. Not only are the Raptors amazing at drafting, we are their direct competition. The 76ers have made a lot of questionable moves though.
The Raptors scouts are drooling at the thought of an early second round pick.

[casual_raps_fan]

What do people think about drafting a guard with our 1st round pick?

Although we have free agent guards coming up soon (Fred, Kyle, Norm), we are stacked at that position. Since there probably wouldn't be playing time available on our team, we'd have to send them to the G league for a season or two to let them play. Is it really worth spending a first on a guard?

[casual_raps_fan]

I don't understand the hype surrounding Watson. He's done pretty well for himself as a G-Leaguer but hasn't proven a lick in the NBA, and was underwhelming as a collegiate athlete to say the least.

True he is unproven but you watch him on the 905 and he took a step forward like Boucher did in his MVP year.

Watson is intriguing because he is a volume 3 point shooter while also being a fearless attacker going to the basket. He is a plus athlete so you gamble on these guys because he has the NBA body and some tools. He is 25 so not a bad gamble for a rotation guy. Kind of like Malcolm Miller except a bit more killer instinct.

Miller is like McCaw without the passing and defense.

I would rank the G-League as somewhere between like the NCAA and Euroleague. It's like AAA in MLB.

Watson could be a late bloomer like Anthony Parker. As I explained before he was playing with an NBA player that took shots and other prospects later. I'm fine with him not being a chucker that hogged the ball and took away shots from better players. I just stated that 22 is not young either and that Watson's 1 good G-League season is better than any that Hughes has put up.

The Raptors don't need to gamble on super high upside players, just those that will help keep the factory line moving. I guess we have OG on the wing. Can sign a vet backup wing too if needed.

RHJ should get closer to half the MLE. We can just sign another player for $2-3 million / 1.

I think we could develop Reed into a SF. Right now he's a PF with some dribbling, some potential for 3-pt range (fix hitch), but he can defend SF's on the perimeter.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

https://stats.nba.com/articles/2020-nba-draft-profile-paul-reed

He might be like Robert Horry if he gets a decent 3pt shot. Able to play SF until 30 with loss of speed.

Maybe poor man's Kirilenko (only able to shoot 31% from 3 for his career)?

I see what you're saying about Reed playing 3 and that's a big reason why I like him but I don't think it's optimal for him to play the 3 in today's NBA. He's best suited for the 4 and even small ball 5 would be better than him at the 3.

He'd be like a worse shooting OG at small forward. He has lots of tools to refine so there may be a future where he could look good playing small forward but for now, that is something I am definitely not interested in seeing.

I actually think we aren't in terrible shape defending that position. We have OG, Siakam, McCaw, TD. I know McCaw and TD are small/weak for that position but most teams are going small now a days.

[Syd-TK3]

I really want us to walk out of this draft with Tillman, though not necessarily at pick 28. I'm hoping we can buy an early second like GS did to get Jordan Bell.

I don't see a better fit with the Raptors among the bugs in this draft outside of Okonkwu, who surely won't make it to us. The only other big that fits as well in my view is Diakite, and maybe Stewart (though he's more of a Bobby Portis type).

I could be wrong but I'm pretty confident that we will be drafting one of Tillman or Reed at 28 if they are available and there's no OG type player that drops.

Philly has a whole bunch of picks in the 2nd so they might be an option

Would Philly help us though? They're more likely to just pick a draft and stash or trade with someone else.

I mean it's not like we are trading currently good players just a pick. I haven't checked out many of the draft&stash prospects so idk who would be an option for them

[Psubs]

I see what you're saying about Reed playing 3 and that's a big reason why I like him but I don't think it's optimal for him to play the 3 in today's NBA. He's best suited for the 4 and even small ball 5 would be better than him at the 3.

He'd be like a worse shooting OG at small forward. He has lots of tools to refine so there may be a future where he could look good playing small forward but for now, that is something I am definitely not interested in seeing.

I actually think we aren't in terrible shape defending that position. We have OG, Siakam, McCaw, TD. I know McCaw and TD are small/weak for that position but most teams are going small now a days.

I recall them wanting to play Siakam at SF, maybe he could play some of his minutes at backup SF? Actually Powell could play some backup SF too.

PG Lowry - FVV - TD
SG FVV - Powell - TD - Thomas
SF OG - Powell - Siakam - McCaw
PF Siakam - Ibaka - Reed
C Gasol - Ibaka - Boucher/Dewan/Konate/Ellenson?