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

[Mark_83]

I like the Nesmith love on this board. He can easily be a young Danny Green type for the Raptors. Tyrell Terry everyone knows about...

Yeah, I've been watching a lot of Nesmith lately. He would be a fantastic pick. Having said that, I really don't see a way he makes it to pick 28, same with Terry. They're going to be in the mix from 15 through 25 imo, same with Vassell who I think might actually be underrated here. He reminds me a bit of Middleton.

So unless we trade up we're looking at the next tier of guys like Woodward, Bey, Lewis, Ramsey, Smith, Reed, Tillman. I would add Williams to the list but he probably goes ahead of where I have him ranked for a team gambling on upside.

Ramsey!!! Weird with the low FT% but easier to fix than 3pt%. Maybe he's a young prospect version of Terence Davis!

6'4 with 6'10 wingspan

Watch on YouTube

Yeah, he's also a bit underrated. The guy really gets after it defensively, and is a fantastic shot blocker for a SG. 3pt shooting is excellent. Gets a little bit ball-hoggy and makes bad decisions on offense, but can be worked on with good team structure, culture and coaching. Ball handling is also a little loose for a 6'4 guy, maybe it's the long arms. Also, doesn't seem to have that blow-by ability on offense, but neither does Vanvleet really and he does ok. Can see this guy being a microwave scorer off the bench, who can also start runs with his defense.

[Syd-TK3]

28th is just out of range of getting the overlook players or potential slippers in the draft.

[BoyzNTheHood]

There's something to be said for this kid. He reminds me a lot of Monta Ellis. Amazing quickness as a combo guard. Tireless work ethic. Big shot taker, big shot maker. But he's projected as a 2nd round to undrafted player because of his long range shooting.

Watch on YouTube

[LoveMyRaps]

I think Desmond Bane out of TCU would be an intriguing second round selection for the Raptors.
Or if he went undrafted. Nothing flashy about his game, but a big strong guard, who has a relative high BBALL IQ, has good defensive instincts, and is a solid playmaker. I'm not a fan of his shooting form, but he shoots the 3ball very well.

[wtfbosh]

I think Desmond Bane out of TCU would be an intriguing second round selection for the Raptors.
Or if he went undrafted. Nothing flashy about his game, but a big strong guard, who has a relative high BBALL IQ, has good defensive instincts, and is a solid playmaker. I'm not a fan of his shooting form, but he shoots the 3ball very well.

Big fan of Bane. He's a true 3+D glue guy. I wouldn't be surprised if he shot up to the first unexpectedly like Landry Shamet or Derrick White did.

[BoyzNTheHood]

I think Desmond Bane out of TCU would be an intriguing second round selection for the Raptors.
Or if he went undrafted. Nothing flashy about his game, but a big strong guard, who has a relative high BBALL IQ, has good defensive instincts, and is a solid playmaker. I'm not a fan of his shooting form, but he shoots the 3ball very well.

Yup. Bane has gotten a lot of love in this thread already.

[BoyzNTheHood]

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[Psubs]

I think Desmond Bane out of TCU would be an intriguing second round selection for the Raptors.
Or if he went undrafted. Nothing flashy about his game, but a big strong guard, who has a relative high BBALL IQ, has good defensive instincts, and is a solid playmaker. I'm not a fan of his shooting form, but he shoots the 3ball very well.

Big fan of Bane. He's a true 3+D glue guy. I wouldn't be surprised if he shot up to the first unexpectedly like Landry Shamet or Derrick White did.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/desmond-bane-1.html

These numbers got me all hot and bothered! Why didn't he turn pro last year after a stellar Junior season?

Watch on YouTube

Oh, he has gator arms like Dillon Brooks but only 6'4. He's like a taller Vinnie Johnson with 3-pt shooting.

[Sir-Swish-A-Lot]

G/F 6'6 CJ Elleby (Washington State) is a player that the Raptors should closely look at taking at #28. He reminds me a lot of Klay Thompson who also played college basketball at Washington State. Not saying that he will be as good a player as Klay but he has a lot of Klay's characteristics in his game. CJ's a better player than Tyler Bey (Colorado).

Watch on YouTube

[Psubs]

G/F 6'6 CJ Elleby (Washington State) is a player that the Raptors should closely look at taking at #28. He reminds me a lot of Klay Thompson who also played college basketball at Washington State. Not saying that he will be as good a player as Klay but he has a lot of Klay's characteristics in his game. CJ's a better player than Tyler Bey (Colorado).

Watch on YouTube

He shot under 40% FG. He should go back for his junior year.

Bey is an elite rebounding 6'7 swingman with a 7ft wingspan. He'd be a nice backup SF.

[Sir-Swish-A-Lot]

G/F 6'6 CJ Elleby (Washington State) is a player that the Raptors should closely look at taking at #28. He reminds me a lot of Klay Thompson who also played college basketball at Washington State. Not saying that he will be as good a player as Klay but he has a lot of Klay's characteristics in his game. CJ's a better player than Tyler Bey (Colorado).

Watch on YouTube

He shot under 40% FG. He should go back for his junior year.

Bey is an elite rebounding 6'7 swingman with a 7ft wingspan. He'd be a nice backup SF.

That's because he was a volume shooter. He shot 82% on his fts. So his shooting percentage will most likely improve especially when he can focus on basketball 100% of the time with no classes to worry about. Bey couldn't stop Elleby in the Pac 12 tourney game against him. Elleby was the best player on the court by far. Elleby > Bey

[LoveMyRaps]

I think Desmond Bane out of TCU would be an intriguing second round selection for the Raptors.
Or if he went undrafted. Nothing flashy about his game, but a big strong guard, who has a relative high BBALL IQ, has good defensive instincts, and is a solid playmaker. I'm not a fan of his shooting form, but he shoots the 3ball very well.

Big fan of Bane. He's a true 3+D glue guy. I wouldn't be surprised if he shot up to the first unexpectedly like Landry Shamet or Derrick White did.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/desmond-bane-1.html

These numbers got me all hot and bothered! Why didn't he turn pro last year after a stellar Junior season?

Watch on YouTube

Oh, he has gator arms like Dillon Brooks but only 6'4. He's like a taller Vinnie Johnson with 3-pt shooting.

Great story - plus has Nigerian roots. Seems like a Masai type of pick.
I compare his game to the likes of Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon.
He's made significant strides in his game year by year, a sign of a player who values a very strong work ethic.

Draft a big man with your first round selection, and lock Bane in for your second round selection. I'd draft him for the name alone.

[Dalek]

I posted this a while back and I haven't seen any people mention him, but I am on the Joel Ayayi island.

Played on Gonzaga and helped to lead them to a conference championship
Played on the French Under 19 team and led them to a 3rd place finish last year

6-5 PG with what i think is close to a 7 ft wingspan
Good defender who is pretty good on-ball
Only 20 (turned 20 on March 5)
Above average passer who can make passes in traffic and while on the move
Appears to be coachable and high motor player

His shooting numbers are why he is lower rated as he was only 34% from three, but from his video, the shot does not look broken.
He plays a fearless type of game, that bring speed in transition and could easily slip into a Patrick McCaw type of role right away. With Raptors development, this guy could end up a starter.

Watch on YouTube

;t=216s

[Indeed]

G/F 6'6 CJ Elleby (Washington State) is a player that the Raptors should closely look at taking at #28. He reminds me a lot of Klay Thompson who also played college basketball at Washington State. Not saying that he will be as good a player as Klay but he has a lot of Klay's characteristics in his game. CJ's a better player than Tyler Bey (Colorado).

Watch on YouTube

He shot under 40% FG. He should go back for his junior year.

Bey is an elite rebounding 6'7 swingman with a 7ft wingspan. He'd be a nice backup SF.

That's because he was a volume shooter. He shot 82% on his fts. So his shooting percentage will most likely improve especially when he can focus on basketball 100% of the time with no classes to worry about. Bey couldn't stop Elleby in the Pac 12 tourney game against him. Elleby was the best player on the court by far. Elleby > Bey

Elleby with 6'7 wingspan, so he is only limited in playing SG. His measurement isn't as strong as Davis neither (Davis with 6'8 wingspan and bigger hands), so no for Elleby to play Forward, limited to Guard spot.

Meanwhile, Bey would be capable of defending SF, so Bey is definitely drafted higher even just for potential. And SF are more demanding, better at switching.

[Sir-Swish-A-Lot]

He shot under 40% FG. He should go back for his junior year.

Bey is an elite rebounding 6'7 swingman with a 7ft wingspan. He'd be a nice backup SF.

That's because he was a volume shooter. He shot 82% on his fts. So his shooting percentage will most likely improve especially when he can focus on basketball 100% of the time with no classes to worry about. Bey couldn't stop Elleby in the Pac 12 tourney game against him. Elleby was the best player on the court by far. Elleby > Bey

Elleby with 6'7 wingspan, so he is only limited in playing SG. His measurement isn't as strong as Davis neither (Davis with 6'8 wingspan and bigger hands), so no for Elleby to play Forward, limited to Guard spot.

Meanwhile, Bey would be capable of defending SF, so Bey is definitely drafted higher even just for potential. And SF are more demanding, better at switching.

You sound like someone who has never seen Elleby play. Elleby has guarded much bigger players his entire college career effectively as the starting SF for WSU. He is a highly intelligent player that plays hard on both ends of the court. Elleby is a certified baller plus he is clutch with ice in his veins.

Physical measurments don't make the player, the player makes the measurements. Bey couldn't even guard Elleby in the Pac-12 tourney. Elleby is a more complete all around player than Bey. So, yes, for Elleby being able to play SF in this era of NBA small ball lineups.

After watching both Bey and Elleby play extensively over their college careers CJ Elleby is the better prospect in my mind and would be the steal of the draft at #28 ala Kevin Porter Jr who was drafted #27 by Cavs in 2019 and called the steal of the draft by many experts. Btw- Elleby and Porter Jr are best friends that grew up together.

[casual_raps_fan]

I posted this a while back and I haven't seen any people mention him, but I am on the Joel Ayayi island.

Played on Gonzaga and helped to lead them to a conference championship
Played on the French Under 19 team and led them to a 3rd place finish last year

6-5 PG with what i think is close to a 7 ft wingspan
Good defender who is pretty good on-ball
Only 20 (turned 20 on March 5)
Above average passer who can make passes in traffic and while on the move
Appears to be coachable and high motor player

His shooting numbers are why he is lower rated as he was only 34% from three, but from his video, the shot does not look broken.
He plays a fearless type of game, that bring speed in transition and could easily slip into a Patrick McCaw type of role right away. With Raptors development, this guy could end up a starter.

Watch on YouTube

;t=216s

I definitely like what I see here. His versatility looks good. He has good speed and length as a guard. He is smooth and fast with the ball in his hands. Like you said, his shot doesn't look broken and with practice, he looks like he could definitely knock down jumpers.

What kind of role do you see him in as a starter? I feel like it's pretty unlikely for him to be a starter but maybe he could become a player who can make an impact like Delon Wright.

If the Raptors think his dribbling can be reliable enough to be a back up primary ball handler, he is definitely worth looking at. The Raptors are in dire need of good ball handlers.

[Dalek]

I think Patrick Williams is a project but man does that guy have some amazing natural abilities. Great athlete who can block shots way out of range for a PF. This is the classic upside pick as his numbers were nothing special, but the physical abilities and being only 18 makes him really interesting.

Comparing Williams to Paul Reed is like they are opposites Reed has dynamic numbers (2 blks 2 stls averaged last season) and solid progress over his collegiate career. Whiles Williams is nothing jaw dropping off the page.

Eye test tells me that Reed is solid, but is not the most fluid athlete and is not likely to dominate as he did in college.

Williams in his play look way more dynamic and fluid as a big man. Can this guy be a SF and PF?

I think Williams should stay at Florida State for another year, but knowing the NBA this guy will get picked in the first round based on upside.

Curious if Masai would like a project like Williams. It could be Anunoby or it could be Bruno all over again.

[casual_raps_fan]

I think Patrick Williams is a project but man does that guy have some amazing natural abilities. Great athlete who can block shots way out of range for a PF. This is the classic upside pick as his numbers were nothing special, but the physical abilities and being only 18 makes him really interesting.

Comparing Williams to Paul Reed is like they are opposites Reed has dynamic numbers (2 blks 2 stls averaged last season) and solid progress over his collegiate career. Whiles Williams is nothing jaw dropping off the page.

Eye test tells me that Reed is solid, but is not the most fluid athlete and is not likely to dominate as he did in college.

Williams in his play look way more dynamic and fluid as a big man. Can this guy be a SF and PF?

I think Williams should stay at Florida State for another year, but knowing the NBA this guy will get picked in the first round based on upside.

Curious if Masai would like a project like Williams. It could be Anunoby or it could be Bruno all over again.

I have a feeling that the Raptors would prefer to play it safe with a high floor player rather than a project. Since the Raptors already have a good team, it'd be a high value selection if we get a guy who is likely to fit with our young core (Siakam, VanVleet, OG).

[Bull-E]

Lots of good candidates posted within this thread. The more I learn about this draft class and its depth, the more confident I am Raps can come away with an eventual rotation piece, with upside.

Adding my two-cents recommendation, I really like the scouting report and video on Grant Riller. On the surface a 6'3 combo-guard may not be our biggest need. But dig a little deeper, this guy immediately could provide us with a needed playmaking option and, in the long-run, put us in a better position for the post-Lowry era.

So many things scream a Raptors kind of guy - proven upperclassman, great advanced stats, translatable skills, sneaky upside. My biggest fear is other analytics-heavy front offices, who are picking before us, may be on him too.

A great breakdown of his game was provided at The Stepien: https://www.thestepien.com/2020/03/30/case-grant-riller/

[casual_raps_fan]

Lots of good candidates posted within this thread. The more I learn about this draft class and its depth, the more confident I am Raps can come away with an eventual rotation piece, with upside.

Adding my two-cents recommendation, I really like the scouting report and video on Grant Riller. On the surface a 6'3 combo-guard may not be our biggest need. But dig a little deeper, this guy immediately could provide us with a needed playmaking option and, in the long-run, put us in a better position for the post-Lowry era.

So many things scream a Raptors kind of guy - proven upperclassman, great advanced stats, translatable skills, sneaky upside. My biggest fear is other analytics-heavy front offices, who are picking before us, may be on him too.

A great breakdown of his game was provided at The Stepien: https://www.thestepien.com/2020/03/30/case-grant-riller/

Found this on theStepien as well.
https://www.thestepien.com/2020/02/20/grant-riller-scouting-report/

He looks really good. He'd be a perfect fit for the Raptors as our backup primary ball handler. If he can become a defender, he has potential to be a starter.

I'll take a closer look but I think I am on board with Grant Riller. He checks all the boxes to be a successful guard on the Raptors.