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

[nabbs]

To me, we need scoring/creation to help out Pascal and our half court offense. We also need to prepare for life after Marc and Serge.

Norm will become too expensive to keep and I want some guard/wing creation to replace his eventual departure. I am going to go with a guy like Grant Riller. To this, you'll likely have to trade up or somehow get 2 firsts. I am not sure on the mechanics but I feel like walking out of this draft with Riller, Reed and a wing flier in the second round is a homerun

[Psubs]

To me, we need scoring/creation to help out Pascal and our half court offense. We also need to prepare for life after Marc and Serge.

Norm will become too expensive to keep and I want some guard/wing creation to replace his eventual departure. I am going to go with a guy like Grant Riller. To this, you'll likely have to trade up or somehow get 2 firsts. I am not sure on the mechanics but I feel like walking out of this draft with Riller, Reed and a wing flier in the second round is a homerun

I think that Terence Davis covers what you want from Riller. Perhaps Riller drops to #58.

I think the best chip to move up to an early 2nd would be sniper Matt Thomas ( 2 years left on cheap contract). With #34 if Cassius Stanley is on the board, I'd rather see him flying around with TD on the bench!

Eff the 76ers. I think the Mavs might do it; #31 for Matt Thomas and #58. Gives Doncic another weapon and keeps Thomas in the other conference.

Actually if the Lakers are willing to do it for #29 to give Lebron a sniper, that too. Not the Celtics at #30.

[GM89]

Udoka Azubuike is looking very intriguing if the raps are looking to draft a center with a high upside. Great physical measurements
at 7 ft tall, 270 pounds (apparently around 255 now) and a 7'7" wingspan. He is a physical force on the inside and apparently becoming a difference maker as a perimeter defender.

“I think Dok’s the best defensive big around. I don’t know of anybody who can move his feet like that, who’s 6-foot-11, 270 pounds and played (33 minutes)”
http://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/smithology/2020/jan/15/mobile-udoka-azubuike-taking-his-defense/?templates=desktop

"Perhaps most notable for his future, he has shown an improved ability to not only defend the rim, but also to guard players on the perimeter. When you've got the big fella changing the game it seems most every possession on both ends, that bodes well for you"
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2879963-no-one-has-an-answer-for-udoka-azubuike

"That Azubuike was able to turn himself into not just a non-liability while defending away from the basket, but a player capable of such a showing against a talented offensive player like Doolittle shows just how much work he's put in."
https://247sports.com/Article/Kansas-center-Udoka-Azubuike-terrific-defense-according-to-ESPN-Jay-Bilas-142511559/

He is ft% this year is around 44% which is really bad but raps have the best development program in the league so he should be able to improve, hopefully faster than Howard and Drummond. I am hoping for an Ibaka like learning curve where he can contribute right away with beastly defense and start expanding his perimeter game by year 4-5.

[Psubs]

Udoka Azubuike is looking very intriguing if the raps are looking to draft a center with a high upside. Great physical measurements
at 7 ft tall, 270 pounds (apparently around 255 now) and a 7'7" wingspan. He is a physical force on the inside and apparently becoming a difference maker as a perimeter defender.

“I think Dok’s the best defensive big around. I don’t know of anybody who can move his feet like that, who’s 6-foot-11, 270 pounds and played (33 minutes)”
http://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/smithology/2020/jan/15/mobile-udoka-azubuike-taking-his-defense/?templates=desktop

"Perhaps most notable for his future, he has shown an improved ability to not only defend the rim, but also to guard players on the perimeter. When you've got the big fella changing the game it seems most every possession on both ends, that bodes well for you"
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2879963-no-one-has-an-answer-for-udoka-azubuike

"That Azubuike was able to turn himself into not just a non-liability while defending away from the basket, but a player capable of such a showing against a talented offensive player like Doolittle shows just how much work he's put in."
https://247sports.com/Article/Kansas-center-Udoka-Azubuike-terrific-defense-according-to-ESPN-Jay-Bilas-142511559/

He is ft% this year is around 44% which is really bad but raps have the best development program in the league so he should be able to improve, hopefully faster than Howard and Drummond. I am hoping for an Ibaka like learning curve where he can contribute right away with beastly defense and start expanding his perimeter game by year 4-5.

I think he can make a bad team good. Maybe #34 to Minnesota so Kat can play PF. Boston at #30 is possible, though they have Tacko Fall already.

[GM89]

Udoka Azubuike is looking very intriguing if the raps are looking to draft a center with a high upside. Great physical measurements
at 7 ft tall, 270 pounds (apparently around 255 now) and a 7'7" wingspan. He is a physical force on the inside and apparently becoming a difference maker as a perimeter defender.

“I think Dok’s the best defensive big around. I don’t know of anybody who can move his feet like that, who’s 6-foot-11, 270 pounds and played (33 minutes)”
http://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/smithology/2020/jan/15/mobile-udoka-azubuike-taking-his-defense/?templates=desktop

"Perhaps most notable for his future, he has shown an improved ability to not only defend the rim, but also to guard players on the perimeter. When you've got the big fella changing the game it seems most every possession on both ends, that bodes well for you"
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2879963-no-one-has-an-answer-for-udoka-azubuike

"That Azubuike was able to turn himself into not just a non-liability while defending away from the basket, but a player capable of such a showing against a talented offensive player like Doolittle shows just how much work he's put in."
https://247sports.com/Article/Kansas-center-Udoka-Azubuike-terrific-defense-according-to-ESPN-Jay-Bilas-142511559/

He is ft% this year is around 44% which is really bad but raps have the best development program in the league so he should be able to improve, hopefully faster than Howard and Drummond. I am hoping for an Ibaka like learning curve where he can contribute right away with beastly defense and start expanding his perimeter game by year 4-5.

I think he can make a bad team good. Maybe #34 to Minnesota so Kat can play PF. Boston at #30 is possible, though they have Tacko Fall already.

A good analogy would be Rudy Gobert who instantly helped Utah get better when he started seeing some serious playing time and continued to to be a staple on their starting lineup when they become a playoff team. I don't think Raps would mind having someone like Gobert on their team.

[HeadtopChunes]

After watching all the games i could find, Theo Maledon is my #1 target for the Raps this year. I think he'd be a perfect fit on both ends and has underrated upside.

If he doesn't go top 10 I'd def explore a trade up there

[Dalek]

Udoka Azubuike is looking very intriguing if the raps are looking to draft a center with a high upside. Great physical measurements
at 7 ft tall, 270 pounds (apparently around 255 now) and a 7'7" wingspan. He is a physical force on the inside and apparently becoming a difference maker as a perimeter defender.

“I think Dok’s the best defensive big around. I don’t know of anybody who can move his feet like that, who’s 6-foot-11, 270 pounds and played (33 minutes)”
http://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/smithology/2020/jan/15/mobile-udoka-azubuike-taking-his-defense/?templates=desktop

"Perhaps most notable for his future, he has shown an improved ability to not only defend the rim, but also to guard players on the perimeter. When you've got the big fella changing the game it seems most every possession on both ends, that bodes well for you"
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2879963-no-one-has-an-answer-for-udoka-azubuike

"That Azubuike was able to turn himself into not just a non-liability while defending away from the basket, but a player capable of such a showing against a talented offensive player like Doolittle shows just how much work he's put in."
https://247sports.com/Article/Kansas-center-Udoka-Azubuike-terrific-defense-according-to-ESPN-Jay-Bilas-142511559/

He is ft% this year is around 44% which is really bad but raps have the best development program in the league so he should be able to improve, hopefully faster than Howard and Drummond. I am hoping for an Ibaka like learning curve where he can contribute right away with beastly defense and start expanding his perimeter game by year 4-5.

I think he can make a bad team good. Maybe #34 to Minnesota so Kat can play PF. Boston at #30 is possible, though they have Tacko Fall already.

A good analogy would be Rudy Gobert who instantly helped Utah get better when he started seeing some serious playing time and continued to to be a staple on their starting lineup when they become a playoff team. I don't think Raps would mind having someone like Gobert on their team.

Azubuike has really improved and this year he was Kansas's best player and a POY. He is the only guy outside of Toppin which I say has a body ready for the NBA day one. His high finish percentage and the gravity he has in altering shots is translatable to the NBA.

You have a raw talent who just needs creative coaching. When Baylor shut him down the first game Kansas ran pick and rolls higher near the middle of the floor so he could get more space to finish and he dominated that game.

I could see Toronto throwing him in for 10 minutes a game to see how he does. He reminds me of Bismarck Biyombo but a better finisher. It seems like a stretch to draft him at 28 as a non shooter but there are still guys who block and dunk in the NBA so maybe he isn't an anachronism.

[happenstance]

Omer Yurtseven, i think he could fit the Marc Gasol mold, he just needs to increase his mobility on the perimeter

Gasol has a 7'4 wingspan to allow him defend better. If he grew a bit longer, I can see that comparison, otherwise, Noah being a better comparison. The best comparison would be standing reach and vertical, but I think we will need to wait for the draft combine for those data.

Thats fair, I'm just going of the idea that we have a late 30 pick and looking for a defensive center. I'm not saying omer is the best but i like his potential, i think hes a good passer as well. Again not as good as Gasol but something that can be built

[OAKLEY_2]

Isiah Stewart.
"Stewart became one of the most physically imposing big men in the entire country during his one year stop at the University of Washington … Stewart projects to be a mid-to-late first round pick in this year’s NBA Draft … Until he develops a perimeter shooting game, his ceiling will remain low as he will peak as a good/great rebounder with defensive ability … His physicality will allow him to play right away as it is hard to see him being pushed around with his build … Probably fits best on a team that likes to pound the ball and play a slower style of game …"

7'4 wingspan - 1st team All-Pac-12 and 1st team All -Pac-12 Freshman team. Hope he drops like OG did.

[Indeed]

I think he can make a bad team good. Maybe #34 to Minnesota so Kat can play PF. Boston at #30 is possible, though they have Tacko Fall already.

A good analogy would be Rudy Gobert who instantly helped Utah get better when he started seeing some serious playing time and continued to to be a staple on their starting lineup when they become a playoff team. I don't think Raps would mind having someone like Gobert on their team.

Azubuike has really improved and this year he was Kansas's best player and a POY. He is the only guy outside of Toppin which I say has a body ready for the NBA day one. His high finish percentage and the gravity he has in altering shots is translatable to the NBA.

You have a raw talent who just needs creative coaching. When Baylor shut him down the first game Kansas ran pick and rolls higher near the middle of the floor so he could get more space to finish and he dominated that game.

I could see Toronto throwing him in for 10 minutes a game to see how he does. He reminds me of Bismarck Biyombo but a better finisher. It seems like a stretch to draft him at 28 as a non shooter but there are still guys who block and dunk in the NBA so maybe he isn't an anachronism.

I am high on Azubuike as well, but seems too high to pick him at 28 as being one and done prospect. If he cannot improve his shooting, it is hard to have him with Siakam. His footwork is already there, and not surprise he can be a defensive present like Gasol, but not having offense to space the floor could be challenging to score more.

[Indeed]

To me, we need scoring/creation to help out Pascal and our half court offense. We also need to prepare for life after Marc and Serge.

Norm will become too expensive to keep and I want some guard/wing creation to replace his eventual departure. I am going to go with a guy like Grant Riller. To this, you'll likely have to trade up or somehow get 2 firsts. I am not sure on the mechanics but I feel like walking out of this draft with Riller, Reed and a wing flier in the second round is a homerun

I think that Terence Davis covers what you want from Riller. Perhaps Riller drops to #58.

I think the best chip to move up to an early 2nd would be sniper Matt Thomas ( 2 years left on cheap contract). With #34 if Cassius Stanley is on the board, I'd rather see him flying around with TD on the bench!

Eff the 76ers. I think the Mavs might do it; #31 for Matt Thomas and #58. Gives Doncic another weapon and keeps Thomas in the other conference.

Actually if the Lakers are willing to do it for #29 to give Lebron a sniper, that too. Not the Celtics at #30.

I don't think we will trade Thomas, he is definitely under paid for wanting to be part of our team. And he is much more experience than anyone we draft, he can play good team defense, while anyone we draft maybe at D-League level only.

Anyway I think we would upgrade our SF/PF over PG/SG, Stanley may able to play SF, but other prospect may have to fight for their minutes with Davis, Powell, Thomas and even McCaw

[GM89]

Azubuike has really improved and this year he was Kansas's best player and a POY. He is the only guy outside of Toppin which I say has a body ready for the NBA day one. His high finish percentage and the gravity he has in altering shots is translatable to the NBA.

You have a raw talent who just needs creative coaching. When Baylor shut him down the first game Kansas ran pick and rolls higher near the middle of the floor so he could get more space to finish and he dominated that game.

I could see Toronto throwing him in for 10 minutes a game to see how he does. He reminds me of Bismarck Biyombo but a better finisher. It seems like a stretch to draft him at 28 as a non shooter but there are still guys who block and dunk in the NBA so maybe he isn't an anachronism.

I am high on Azubuike as well, but seems too high to pick him at 28 as being one and done prospect. If he cannot improve his shooting, it is hard to have him with Siakam. His footwork is already there, and not surprise he can be a defensive present like Gasol, but not having offense to space the floor could be challenging to score more.

If talking strictly bigs Azubuike would not my first choice at 28 either and would rather take Jalen Smith or Daniel Oturu seeing they are much further along offensively but I don't think they would make it to our pick. On the other hand, it not might be a stretch to say that due to his physical tools Azubuike has a higher defensive ceiling than those two.

I wouldn't worry about Azubuike's offensive fit with Siakam just yet seeing that if we do draft a big man they would be playing behind Serge or Marc. This offseason I can see the raps giving Marc and Serge big one year deals similar to Lowry and then next offseason after the Giannis sweepstakes try to resign Ibaka for an additional 3-4 multi year deal. Ibaka would be a good role model for Azubuike seeing that he came into the league as a high end defensive big who learned to stretch out his game by year 4-5.

[Dalek]

Isiah Stewart.
"Stewart became one of the most physically imposing big men in the entire country during his one year stop at the University of Washington … Stewart projects to be a mid-to-late first round pick in this year’s NBA Draft … Until he develops a perimeter shooting game, his ceiling will remain low as he will peak as a good/great rebounder with defensive ability … His physicality will allow him to play right away as it is hard to see him being pushed around with his build … Probably fits best on a team that likes to pound the ball and play a slower style of game …"

7'4 wingspan - 1st team All-Pac-12 and 1st team All -Pac-12 Freshman team. Hope he drops like OG did.

I don't think that he makes sense with a team like Toronto which is extremely fast in transition, even with guys like Ibaka and Gasol who can trail a play to shoot a three. Stewart will carve out a role like lessor Montrezl Harrell, but the more I watch him the more I think he is a little stiff. Even with a 7-4 wingspan he does not get off the ground pretty fast and laterally I see major issues. Maybe he ends up topping out like Caleb Swanigan which is possible.

To have a non-shooting big, you need to be a lob threat and have some ability to guard outside the paint in a switch heavy league.

A guy like Udoka Azubuike probably has more upside based on his size and finishing ability. I have been watching his improvement from the past year and he can move with guards pretty well so he may not be only a drop back big. Of course he can't shoot, but that is not without precedent.

The NBA has guys like Gobert, Capela and Steven Adams which are more or less the guys who play close the basket and thrive off pick and rolls. I don't see Stewart as much a Azubuike fitting into that role.

The past month I had been more into Jalen Smith and Zeke Nnaji, but they both have short wingspans and don't look like they are centers in the NBA - more like PFs. If I were to go with a true C, I think I am down to Azubuike at 28 and Nick Richards at 58.

[GM89]

I hope we consider trading for an early 2nd to grab Tillian Killie. Raps have a good track record of helping injured players recover (OG & Kawai) and Curry managed to become a great player after multiple ankle injuries.

Watching more of Tillie his offensive and defensive skills and bbiq just standout. Late in the draft it's incredibly hard to find player who can raise a team's ceiling so it's a worthwhile to gamble on Killie and hope we can get him back to being healthy.

Watch on YouTube

[Psubs]

https://www.raptorshq.com/2020/7/7/21277459/nba-draft-2020-mock-draft-prospect-highlights-toronto-raptors-hq

Some of the players that we usually talk about with their rankings across various webistes.

Tillman, Carey, Nnaji, Pokusevski and Smith for bigs. As long, Webster doesn't go off the reservation like Bruno, I'm good.

Stewart, Perry, Reed and Azubuike were not mentioned.

[mademan]

Ya Azubuike is gonna be a guy everyone looks back at and wonders why he didnt go higher. His physical gifts are tremendous and i havent heard anything about lazyness or anything (and he seems to have a good motor on the court).

He also has great hands. Im not sure why he doesnt have a Capela like floor with room to improve. If he can develop his shot like Ibaka, dude will be a standout. If he doesnt, he's still a great defender who's a strong lob threat and can catch a pocket pass and go

[Dalek]

Ya Azubuike is gonna be a guy everyone looks back at and wonders why he didnt go higher. His physical gifts are tremendous and i havent heard anything about lazyness or anything (and he seems to have a good motor on the court).

He also has great hands. Im not sure why he doesnt have a Capela like floor with room to improve. If he can develop his shot like Ibaka, dude will be a standout. If he doesnt, he's still a great defender who's a strong lob threat and can catch a pocket pass and go

I think the NBA is so titled towards shooters that rim protection gets forgotten about. The thing with Doke is that he is not a stiff since he lost weight. I definitely think you can dump him into a game and he will do those basic things like protect the paint (which Toronto focuses its defense on) and be a target close to the basket. He is one of those exhausting players like Drummond who will be tough to take extra possessions away from.

[Dalek]

I am seeing a lot of love for Killian Tillie and under-the-radar option would be Sandro Mamukelashvili from Seton Hall (he is Georgian like Zaza Pachulia).

I only recently came across him but he is 6-11, shot over 40% from three, can pass it a bit and dunk off straight line drives. He is an interesting case where he improved almost across the board this past year, but somehow did it playing five less minutes on the court. So he took more shots, shot them more efficiently, and did it in the shadow of Myles Powell. He also fractured his wrist midway through last year and came back to play his best basketball.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

[Psubs]

I am seeing a lot of love for Killian Tillie and under-the-radar option would be Sandro Mamukelashvili from Seton Hall (he is Georgian like Zaza Pachulia).

I only recently came across him but he is 6-11, shot over 40% from three, can pass it a bit and dunk off straight line drives. He is an interesting case where he improved almost across the board this past year, but somehow did it playing five less minutes on the court. So he took more shots, shot them more efficiently, and did it in the shadow of Myles Powell. He also fractured his wrist midway through last year and came back to play his best basketball.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

I am impressed! Perfect candidate for #58.

Reminds me of Aron Baynes.

[Dalek]

I am seeing a lot of love for Killian Tillie and under-the-radar option would be Sandro Mamukelashvili from Seton Hall (he is Georgian like Zaza Pachulia).

I only recently came across him but he is 6-11, shot over 40% from three, can pass it a bit and dunk off straight line drives. He is an interesting case where he improved almost across the board this past year, but somehow did it playing five less minutes on the court. So he took more shots, shot them more efficiently, and did it in the shadow of Myles Powell. He also fractured his wrist midway through last year and came back to play his best basketball.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

I am impressed! Perfect candidate for #58.

Reminds me of Aron Baynes.

That's a good comparison. He is already a good spot up shooter, but Toronto would be lucky to get Baynes' type of defense. Mamu could be a guy that develops in G-League.