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

[Syd-TK3]

ESPNs new mock I didn’t like

29: Cassius Winston

Guys Left on the board who i like better
Tre Jones, Devon Dotson, Zeke Nnaji , Xavier Tillman, Riller, Bane, Terry and Perry

Yeah if we going Guard in the 1st I'm definitely taking Terry in that situation

[BallstriKer]

I am increasingly convinced that Tillman is the way to go at 29 if he's available. Fits the culture, plays the same type of high BBIQ that we do, and just projects as a high floor player right out of the gate. This is taking into consideration that we might not be able to retain Ibaka this off season. Hopefully Masai and Bobby can pull a sign & trade that could net us additional picks if that happens.

[Psubs]

I am increasingly convinced that Tillman is the way to go at 29 if he's available. Fits the culture, plays the same type of high BBIQ that we do, and just projects as a high floor player right out of the gate. This is taking into consideration that we might not be able to retain Ibaka this off season. Hopefully Masai and Bobby can pull a sign & trade that could net us additional picks if that happens.

Michigan State did have a good year along with last season beating Duke with Zion and RJ Barrett in the tourney. They also produced JJJ and Miles Bridges lately. Their defense is excellent. Cassius Winston should be a good backup, spot starter in the league like Jalen Brunson. Tillman has recently gotten a lot fitter and I think he has more room to get quicker and stronger.

If Tillman isn't there, Reed is next up for me, then one of Jalen Smith, Stewart, Carey, Oturu, Perry.

[BallstriKer]

I am increasingly convinced that Tillman is the way to go at 29 if he's available. Fits the culture, plays the same type of high BBIQ that we do, and just projects as a high floor player right out of the gate. This is taking into consideration that we might not be able to retain Ibaka this off season. Hopefully Masai and Bobby can pull a sign & trade that could net us additional picks if that happens.

Michigan State did have a good year along with last season beating Duke with Zion and RJ Barrett in the tourney. They also produced JJJ and Miles Bridges lately. Their defense is excellent. Cassius Winston should be a good backup, spot starter in the league like Jalen Brunson. Tillman has recently gotten a lot fitter and I think he has more room to get quicker and stronger.

If Tillman isn't there, Reed is next up for me, then one of Jalen Smith, Stewart, Carey, Oturu, Perry.

Good stuff and I agree with this list. The one downside is I feel like Tillman's been getting a lot more traction in NBA circles lately (good for him) so he might not be there at 29.

[Dalek]

One point I have noticed is that media has picked up on older players providing the best draft value. You regularly hear good things about the Suns drafting Cam Johnson and Ty Jerome and the Grizzlies drafting Brandon Clarke being draft steals i the 20s. Only a few years ago a senior player would not likely get drafted in the first.

I think with the FVV undrafted success, and Damien Lillard mid-major story, I could see guys like Grant Riller and Desmond Bane going way higher because the NBA is finally shifting toward player production over upside. Both guys should be on the Raptors radar, but if they go in the early 20s what it could mean is that Toronto has to look at projects like Poku and McDaniels or pick from the selection of bigs to develop Nnaji, Smith, Stewart. Not sure if that options fits Toronto's timeline too well.

[GM89]

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2020-nba-mock-draft-james-wiseman-moves-up-to-no-2-behind-no-1-lamelo-ball-in-pre-lottery-projection/

I know mocks are all over the place but still interesting that they currently have us picking Killian Tillie. Would be interesting if another OG situation where to happen to us. I always wondered if somehow the raps had more intel about OG's medical situation going into the draft compared to other teams.

[JShuttlesworth]

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2020-nba-mock-draft-james-wiseman-moves-up-to-no-2-behind-no-1-lamelo-ball-in-pre-lottery-projection/

I know mocks are all over the place but still interesting that they currently have us picking Killian Tillie. Would be interesting if another OG situation where to happen to us. I always wondered if somehow the raps had more intel about OG's medical situation going into the draft compared to other teams.

I would be shocked, absolutely shocked, if the Warriors took LaMelo Ball with the 1st Pick (assuming they had it).

[HeadtopChunes]

Interesting thread on Mason Jones

Read on Twitter

?s=21

[GM89]

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2020-nba-mock-draft-james-wiseman-moves-up-to-no-2-behind-no-1-lamelo-ball-in-pre-lottery-projection/

I know mocks are all over the place but still interesting that they currently have us picking Killian Tillie. Would be interesting if another OG situation where to happen to us. I always wondered if somehow the raps had more intel about OG's medical situation going into the draft compared to other teams.

I would be shocked, absolutely shocked, if the Warriors took LaMelo Ball with the 1st Pick (assuming they had it).

They could be feeding the media a bunch of misinformation or trying to pull what Boston did during the 2017 draft.

[Mark_83]

I am increasingly convinced that Tillman is the way to go at 29 if he's available. Fits the culture, plays the same type of high BBIQ that we do, and just projects as a high floor player right out of the gate. This is taking into consideration that we might not be able to retain Ibaka this off season. Hopefully Masai and Bobby can pull a sign & trade that could net us additional picks if that happens.

Michigan State did have a good year along with last season beating Duke with Zion and RJ Barrett in the tourney. They also produced JJJ and Miles Bridges lately. Their defense is excellent. Cassius Winston should be a good backup, spot starter in the league like Jalen Brunson. Tillman has recently gotten a lot fitter and I think he has more room to get quicker and stronger.

If Tillman isn't there, Reed is next up for me, then one of Jalen Smith, Stewart, Carey, Oturu, Perry.

Good stuff and I agree with this list. The one downside is I feel like Tillman's been getting a lot more traction in NBA circles lately (good for him) so he might not be there at 29.

I'm getting the same feeling. He's moving up in a lot of mocks. I can see Boston taking him just before our pick. Perfect Horford replacement.

If he's gone (and there are no good fallers) I want Reed or Flynn.

[JShuttlesworth]

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2020-nba-mock-draft-james-wiseman-moves-up-to-no-2-behind-no-1-lamelo-ball-in-pre-lottery-projection/

I know mocks are all over the place but still interesting that they currently have us picking Killian Tillie. Would be interesting if another OG situation where to happen to us. I always wondered if somehow the raps had more intel about OG's medical situation going into the draft compared to other teams.

I would be shocked, absolutely shocked, if the Warriors took LaMelo Ball with the 1st Pick (assuming they had it).

They could be feeding the media a bunch of misinformation or trying to pull what Boston did during the 2017 draft.

There's no benefit in saying who you like, unless you own the 1st Pick. Even still, it might be worthwhile for them to hype up the draft picks if it's their plan to try and trade it.

I just don't even see the fit for their team, I think there are better options for them, including trading the pick. They're in win now mode with Curry / Klay / Dray all on the wrong side of 30.

I don't think LaMelo helps them win now, and I wouldn't want to build my future team around him. Although I'm also pretty open about the fact that I don't like him.

[YelloC]

Since the draft is my second favourite aspect of the Raptors aside from winning games due to the fact that we still aren’t really a free agent destination and might never be(mostly due to ignorance), I tend to spend an unhealthy amount of time on researching prospects.
At this point, I’m sold on Xavier Tillman if available and would trade up to get him.
I see him turning into some combination of Draymond and Adebayo.
He really seems like the closest player to Bams skill set and may be further along as a distributor. He seems like he’d fit this team like a glove with the IQ to match.

[Dalek]

Saw that the Ringer did an update of their board and noticed some curiosities:

Tyrell Terry (9)
Poku (15)
Isaiah Joe (26)
Ty-Shon Alexander (30)
Yam Madar (34)
Killian Tillie (37)
Grant Riller (42)

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

I think all of those a bit against the consensus and their draft board last year was really solid. Alexander at 30 is not a player I had considered as a first rounder, so that is a bit shocking. They have Toronto drafting Robert Woodard Jr. which I think is a poor fit.

Madar all the way up to 34 ahead of Riller is strange to me. They don't even list Skylar Mays.

[nabbs]

I have a sneaking suspicion that either Boston or Toronto promised Xavier Tillman in the first round. Tillman just makes so much sense with our centre uncertainty this offseason plus a guy who fits the culture of the Raps and has the defensive IQ to play in Nurse's system. I think Nurse will have some input on guys wrt who has the aptitude to learn and execute our defensive philosophy

[Dalek]

I have a sneaking suspicion that either Boston or Toronto promised Xavier Tillman in the first round. Tillman just makes so much sense with our centre uncertainty this offseason plus a guy who fits the culture of the Raps and has the defensive IQ to play in Nurse's system. I think Nurse will have some input on guys wrt who has the aptitude to learn and execute our defensive philosophy

I am sure he can pick the defensive concepts up, but my worry is his offensive game. He doesn't shoot much, has limited post moves relying on strength that won't work in the NBA. He also is pretty undersized as a C. If you are going for a C, wouldn't Oturo be better in every aspect?

[nabbs]

I have a sneaking suspicion that either Boston or Toronto promised Xavier Tillman in the first round. Tillman just makes so much sense with our centre uncertainty this offseason plus a guy who fits the culture of the Raps and has the defensive IQ to play in Nurse's system. I think Nurse will have some input on guys wrt who has the aptitude to learn and execute our defensive philosophy

I am sure he can pick the defensive concepts up, but my worry is his offensive game. He doesn't shoot much, has limited post moves relying on strength that won't work in the NBA. He also is pretty undersized as a C. If you are going for a C, wouldn't Oturo be better in every aspect?

Oturo just doesnt have the shooting touch or mobility to defend. Every scout and analytics guy I know on twitter literally raves about Tillman. It reminds me a lot of how they said some smart team will take a chance on Brandon Clarke despite the age stuff and will look really incredibly intelligent doing it. I feel the same about him.

[BallstriKer]

I have a sneaking suspicion that either Boston or Toronto promised Xavier Tillman in the first round. Tillman just makes so much sense with our centre uncertainty this offseason plus a guy who fits the culture of the Raps and has the defensive IQ to play in Nurse's system. I think Nurse will have some input on guys wrt who has the aptitude to learn and execute our defensive philosophy

I am sure he can pick the defensive concepts up, but my worry is his offensive game. He doesn't shoot much, has limited post moves relying on strength that won't work in the NBA. He also is pretty undersized as a C. If you are going for a C, wouldn't Oturo be better in every aspect?

Tillman eventually developing a shot is likelier than those other prospects overcoming their flaws and reaching their ceilings, IMHO. Especially with our development system. By most accounts, he'll also have a high floor as a rookie and will come in ready to contribute, which is very valuable if we lose one of Ibaka/Gasol.

The size concerns are relevant however, and we don't know how he'll fare against legit NBA 7 footers. But he's super smart, has good motor and is very strong, so may be he could develop into some version of Bam Adebayo.

Unfortunately for us and because of the success Bam is having, other teams are also starting to see this so he might be long gone by the time we're up.

[YelloC]

I have a sneaking suspicion that either Boston or Toronto promised Xavier Tillman in the first round. Tillman just makes so much sense with our centre uncertainty this offseason plus a guy who fits the culture of the Raps and has the defensive IQ to play in Nurse's system. I think Nurse will have some input on guys wrt who has the aptitude to learn and execute our defensive philosophy

I am sure he can pick the defensive concepts up, but my worry is his offensive game. He doesn't shoot much, has limited post moves relying on strength that won't work in the NBA. He also is pretty undersized as a C. If you are going for a C, wouldn't Oturo be better in every aspect?

Oturo just doesnt have the shooting touch or mobility to defend. Every scout and analytics guy I know on twitter literally raves about Tillman. It reminds me a lot of how they said some smart team will take a chance on Brandon Clarke despite the age stuff and will look really incredibly intelligent doing it. I feel the same about him.

I mentioned it a couple posts back but I see Tillman as Bam-like player.
Measurables and strength are very similar. I think Tillman’s passing is further along than Bam pre-draft but Bam has better lateral quicks. Tillman could probably switch 3-4-5 where Bam can switch 1 to 5.
Maybe Tillman top out as Chuck Hayes but taller and with better shotblocking.
Thinking back, Chuck Hayes was kind of the Marc Gasol pre-trade experiment.

[Dalek]

It is sure good to have volume shooters in the playoffs. Toronto does not really have it relying on guards to create and shoot. OG is ok but you can't call him a knock-down shooter. Pascal is more of a creator rather than a shooter and even he is not a 40% threat.

Watching a guy like Duncan Robinson change a game, I am increasingly diving into the shooters of the draft.

Saddiq Bey and Nesmith are likely not in range, so they are not included.

Bane (6-6) career 43% - 92 made threes last year; average defense; good playmaking
Jordan Nwora (6-7) 39% over three years; 76 made threes last year; average defense and average handling
Malik Fitts (6-8) 40% for past two seasons; 64 made threes last year; more of PF with his size and athleticism

If you go to more traditional guard size (6-5 or shorter):

John Petty Jr. (6-5) 44% - 85 made threes last year; good defense but no playmaking
Sam Merrill (6-5) 41% - 89 made threes last year; average defense but good playmaking
Ty-Shon Alexander (6-4) 39% - 81 made threes last year; good defense and some playmaking
Payton Pritchard (6-2) 42% - 88 made threes last year; below average defense above average playmaking
Markus Howard (5-11) 41% - 121 made threes last year; below average defense and playmaking

Alexander sticks out because he really doesn't have any major flaws other than being a bit undersized. Watching him play he moves well using screens and understands some pretty advance basketball concepts. His defense is NBA level and could pick-up NBA level PGs.

Bey is actually the unicorn at his size being able to shoot such a volume of threes. Not really impressed with Nwora and Fitts who only made a small volume of shots.

Howard is the guy you can't ignore. Those are crazy numbers he put up on a big volume.

[Dalek]

I have a sneaking suspicion that either Boston or Toronto promised Xavier Tillman in the first round. Tillman just makes so much sense with our centre uncertainty this offseason plus a guy who fits the culture of the Raps and has the defensive IQ to play in Nurse's system. I think Nurse will have some input on guys wrt who has the aptitude to learn and execute our defensive philosophy

I am sure he can pick the defensive concepts up, but my worry is his offensive game. He doesn't shoot much, has limited post moves relying on strength that won't work in the NBA. He also is pretty undersized as a C. If you are going for a C, wouldn't Oturo be better in every aspect?

Oturo just doesnt have the shooting touch or mobility to defend. Every scout and analytics guy I know on twitter literally raves about Tillman. It reminds me a lot of how they said some smart team will take a chance on Brandon Clarke despite the age stuff and will look really incredibly intelligent doing it. I feel the same about him.

I see the same things from the draft guys and it just doesn't add up for me when I watch Tillman. He seems really ground bound. A guy like Clarke is a better athlete who was really only held back by his scoring output in college.

Tillman barely shot in his NCAA career. In the NBA he is likely going to average 6PPG and 8Rebs while playing solid defense. That just seems very replaceable. Toronto's offense ranked 14 this past season. Their defense is not what needs solidification. They need better balance.