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

[BoyzNTheHood]

ESPN has both him and Xavier Tillman at 58 and 59 today

Both guys id heavily consider using our first one

Major steal potential there

Definitely. It makes no sense for them to be ranked so low. These aren't guys who are based on a ton of potential so there's a low chance they become busts unless a team completely misuses them.

Tyler Bey also led me to McKinley Wright. I haven't seen his name mentioned in draft circles but that kid can play. I must be missing something...

yeah, they aren't big hype guys but both are among the smartest defenders in the class. I bet both are drafted higher than that though.

I can't say too much about Wright but a 6ft older point guard means he probably wont get drafted due to how plentiful the position is.

I don't know man, we have 2 of them and they're pretty good. I'd give him a look in summer league at the minimum. The kid is a baller.

[HeadtopChunes]

Definitely. It makes no sense for them to be ranked so low. These aren't guys who are based on a ton of potential so there's a low chance they become busts unless a team completely misuses them.

Tyler Bey also led me to McKinley Wright. I haven't seen his name mentioned in draft circles but that kid can play. I must be missing something...

yeah, they aren't big hype guys but both are among the smartest defenders in the class. I bet both are drafted higher than that though.

I can't say too much about Wright but a 6ft older point guard means he probably wont get drafted due to how plentiful the position is.

I don't know man, we have 2 of them and they're pretty good. I'd give him a look in summer league at the minimum. The kid is a baller.

Fred is definitely one of those types (and he was undrafted)

I don’t think Lowry quite fits into that archetype just because he was outlier talented from the beginning

He was more athletic than archetype of player typically is.

I haven’t really paid attention to Wright so can’t say much but statistically doesn’t really stand out from other similarly sized PGs

[TRex520]

Sam Vecenie updated his Mock Draft to 3.0 post trade deadline. Draft positions are based on standings as of Feb 10th, and on team needs.

https://theathletic.com/1603325/2020/02/13/vecenie-2020-nba-mock-draft-version-3-0-post-trade-deadline-edition/

Raptors:

28. Toronto Raptors
Daniel Oturu | 6-10 center | 20 years old, sophomore | Minnesota

Oturu has been one of the big midseason risers within this cycle, going from something of an afterthought after a solid freshman campaign heading into the season to one of the best centers in college basketball. The big man out of Minnesota is averaging a monster 20.1-point, 11.5-rebound per game line while also swatting 2.7 shots per game. He also moves his feet reasonably well enough to where teams should be able to play drop coverage with him at center.

The concerns here? First, he just doesn’t really pass it at all. His near-1-to-3 assist to turnover ratio is an issue. For him to become a potential starter at the center position, he’ll need to at least be able to make reads in short rolls. Also, at 6-10, even with good length, he’ll be slightly undersized for the position. Finally, while he has shown good shooting mechanics and workable potential on that end, he is only hitting 30 percent from 3. I’d bet that he’s a good shooter in time, but that consistency needs to be repped out.

58. Toronto Raptors
Paul Eboua | 6-8 forward | 19 years old | Pesaro

Eboua has been in double-figures in eight of his past 15 games, and seems to be coming along from an offensive perspective despite still clearly being pretty raw. And at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and massive hands, he’s a monster defensive player. Toronto obviously specializes in these types of guys and tends to have success with them. This is a late bloomer profile, even if scouts do have some concerns about the way he processes the game on offense, and the fact that he doesn’t really ever make high-level passes.

I would be ecstatic with this outcome from what I've seen so far this season. But Masai is lightyears ahead of me so whoever he picks is who I'm riding with.

Sent from my LYA-L0C using RealGM mobile app

Eboua only played bball for a few years. I truly think he is under Masai's radar.

[Kevin Willis]

Sam Vecenie updated his Mock Draft to 3.0 post trade deadline. Draft positions are based on standings as of Feb 10th, and on team needs.

https://theathletic.com/1603325/2020/02/13/vecenie-2020-nba-mock-draft-version-3-0-post-trade-deadline-edition/

Raptors:

I would be ecstatic with this outcome from what I've seen so far this season. But Masai is lightyears ahead of me so whoever he picks is who I'm riding with.

Sent from my LYA-L0C using RealGM mobile app

Eboua only played bball for a few years. I truly think he is under Masai's radar.

Masai also likes gritty, intelligent players. I wouldn't consider Daniel that type of player. Siakam and Jacob had good basketball sense as drafted bigs. Not sure about Eboua, never heard of him.

[Kevin Willis]

I love the fact we have draft picks this year, even if they're low. I used to enjoy the draft process so much before we started winning every year. What a drag....

[ATLTimekeeper]

Eboua looks really unskilled. I doubt he's on Masai's radar for that reason.

[Indeed]

Jalen Smith is interesting. Averaging 17-10.5-2.5 in conference play and shooting really well from 3 and the FT line. I'll watch the Maryland-Michigan in a game next month, but he would maybe be available at our pick and while he'd need to put at least another 15 pounds on to play 5 at the next level, he's still only 19 so that seems plausible. Basically the idea is he'd be an Ibaka type on offense but a bit more fluid so we can continue to play 5 out.

NBADraft.net has him at #26. Hopefully his stock doesn't rise too much.

Whoa 39% from 3. Looks like a better rebounding Boucher, consistently gets over 10 rebs/gm! He might be able to add some bulk.

Watch on YouTube

Yeah, I'd take him over Boucher if they're comfortable with his IQ and work ethic.

My priority watch list:

Nesmith (SG/SF - 6'6, 6-9)
51(fg%) 52(3pt fg%) 82(ft%) 23pts 1.4stl 4.9reb

Vassell (SG/SF - 6'7, )
49(fg%) 42(3pt fg%) 73(ft%) 13.4pts 1.5stl 1.1blk 5.3reb

T. Bey (SF/PF - 6'7, 7-0)
52(fg%) 50(3pt fg%) 75(ft%) 13.6pts 1.7stl 1.3blk 9.1reb

S. Bey (SF - 6'8)
48(fg%) 46(3pt fg%) 79(ft%) 15.7pts 5reb

Reed (PF - 6'9)
52(fg%) 28(3pt fg%) 76(ft%) 15.6pts 2stl 2.8blk 10.9reb

Achiuwa (SF/PF - 6'9, 7-2)
51(fg%) 35(3pt fg%) 57(ft%) 14.7pts 1.1stl 1.9blk 9.8reb

Hughes (SG - 6'6)
42(fg%) 35(3pt fg%) 81(ft%) 18.6pts 1.2stl 1blk 5reb

Nwora (SF - 6'8, 6-10)
45(fg%) 42 (3pt ft%) 82 (ft%) 18.3pts 0.7stl 0.3Blk 7.3reb

Added wingspan
Added Nwora as a sharp shooter with average defense for you

[Indeed]

Eboua looks really unskilled. I doubt he's on Masai's radar for that reason.

As a 2nd round pick, it may not be bad.
Here are a few other interesting options:
Kahlil Whitney
Steven Enoch
Udoka Azubuike

[Psubs]

Eboua looks really unskilled. I doubt he's on Masai's radar for that reason.

As a 2nd round pick, it may not be bad.
Here are a few other interesting options:
Kahlil Whitney
Steven Enoch
Udoka Azubuike

Azubuike doesn't really belong in this era and doubt he drops all the way to our 2nd pick. If he does maybe as a 3rd C for bulk when the matchup dictates Boucher to be too weak.

Eboua would be an acceptable draft and stash.

[NotMyKawhi]

I like jay scrubb

[Indeed]

Eboua looks really unskilled. I doubt he's on Masai's radar for that reason.

As a 2nd round pick, it may not be bad.
Here are a few other interesting options:
Kahlil Whitney
Steven Enoch
Udoka Azubuike

Azubuike doesn't really belong in this era and doubt he drops all the way to our 2nd pick. If he does maybe as a 3rd C for bulk when the matchup dictates Boucher to be too weak.

Eboua would be an acceptable draft and stash.

We no longer do stash, we have a D-League team. I don't think that is how Ujiri works, just to save salary to stash a pick, instead of developing them.

[wtfbosh]

He's old for his class, but I'm really high on Grant Riller.

Watch on YouTube

[Psubs]

He's old for his class, but I'm really high on Grant Riller.

Watch on YouTube

Auto nickname The Griller. Can you smellllllllll what the Griller is cooking!?!?!?! He's cooking Hawks, Bucks, Hornets, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Wolves, etc.

He's likely an undrafted candidate to get like Terence Davis. 6'3 4 assists - 3.2 turnovers.

The Magic should give the hometown kid a shot as Augustin is a FA. I guess they have Fultz now but he could be the 3rd PG playing with their G-League team.

[niQ]

Sam Vecenie updated his Mock Draft to 3.0 post trade deadline. Draft positions are based on standings as of Feb 10th, and on team needs.

https://theathletic.com/1603325/2020/02/13/vecenie-2020-nba-mock-draft-version-3-0-post-trade-deadline-edition/

Raptors:

28. Toronto Raptors
Daniel Oturu | 6-10 center | 20 years old, sophomore | Minnesota

Oturu has been one of the big midseason risers within this cycle, going from something of an afterthought after a solid freshman campaign heading into the season to one of the best centers in college basketball. The big man out of Minnesota is averaging a monster 20.1-point, 11.5-rebound per game line while also swatting 2.7 shots per game. He also moves his feet reasonably well enough to where teams should be able to play drop coverage with him at center.

The concerns here? First, he just doesn’t really pass it at all. His near-1-to-3 assist to turnover ratio is an issue. For him to become a potential starter at the center position, he’ll need to at least be able to make reads in short rolls. Also, at 6-10, even with good length, he’ll be slightly undersized for the position. Finally, while he has shown good shooting mechanics and workable potential on that end, he is only hitting 30 percent from 3. I’d bet that he’s a good shooter in time, but that consistency needs to be repped out.

I made this same point about drop back coverages. He'd fit our system just fine.

I haven't really followed much of this upcoming draft class but, nbadraft.net has Oturu going 7th

[super_balls]

As a 2nd round pick, it may not be bad.
Here are a few other interesting options:
Kahlil Whitney
Steven Enoch
Udoka Azubuike

Azubuike doesn't really belong in this era and doubt he drops all the way to our 2nd pick. If he does maybe as a 3rd C for bulk when the matchup dictates Boucher to be too weak.

Eboua would be an acceptable draft and stash.

We no longer do stash, we have a D-League team. I don't think that is how Ujiri works, just to save salary to stash a pick, instead of developing them.

Shoot, the way we develop and find undrafted talent - I don't mind if we go after Paul Eboua with our 1st round pick.

This dude has all the physical tools:

Note - these highlights are from 2018 so he has to be better than this now

Watch on YouTube

[wtfbosh]

He's old for his class, but I'm really high on Grant Riller.

Watch on YouTube

Auto nickname The Griller. Can you smellllllllll what the Griller is cooking!?!?!?! He's cooking Hawks, Bucks, Hornets, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Wolves, etc.

He's likely an undrafted candidate to get like Terence Davis. 6'3 4 assists - 3.2 turnovers.

The Magic should give the hometown kid a shot as Augustin is a FA. I guess they have Fultz now but he could be the 3rd PG playing with their G-League team.

Probably, I'm such a believer in this guy's talent that I'd take him with the Raps 1st though. On the flipside, I'm really unimpressed by a lot of the lottery talent in this draft

[HeadtopChunes]

He's old for his class, but I'm really high on Grant Riller.

Watch on YouTube

Auto nickname The Griller. Can you smellllllllll what the Griller is cooking!?!?!?! He's cooking Hawks, Bucks, Hornets, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Wolves, etc.

He's likely an undrafted candidate to get like Terence Davis. 6'3 4 assists - 3.2 turnovers.

The Magic should give the hometown kid a shot as Augustin is a FA. I guess they have Fultz now but he could be the 3rd PG playing with their G-League team.

Probably, I'm such a believer in this guy's talent that I'd take him with the Raps 1st though. On the flipside, I'm really unimpressed by a lot of the lottery talent in this draft

i dont think its crazy you can make an argument for him as a lottery pick, probably the best shot creator in college basketball right now

[Indeed]

Azubuike doesn't really belong in this era and doubt he drops all the way to our 2nd pick. If he does maybe as a 3rd C for bulk when the matchup dictates Boucher to be too weak.

Eboua would be an acceptable draft and stash.

We no longer do stash, we have a D-League team. I don't think that is how Ujiri works, just to save salary to stash a pick, instead of developing them.

Shoot, the way we develop and find undrafted talent - I don't mind if we go after Paul Eboua with our 1st round pick.

This dude has all the physical tools:

Note - these highlights are from 2018 so he has to be better than this now

Watch on YouTube

Would not mind, and with the pick being the end of the draft, would not mind getting a few prospects.
Would also like to understand if we are trying to fill a position (someone who is more ready to play)? Or are we looking for someone with higher upside?

Last year was a high upside pick, and we picked up a few undrafted (eg. Brissett), I wonder how we are using our two-way contracts as well if we are getting more players.

[TRex520]

We no longer do stash, we have a D-League team. I don't think that is how Ujiri works, just to save salary to stash a pick, instead of developing them.

Shoot, the way we develop and find undrafted talent - I don't mind if we go after Paul Eboua with our 1st round pick.

This dude has all the physical tools:

Note - these highlights are from 2018 so he has to be better than this now

Watch on YouTube

Would not mind, and with the pick being the end of the draft, would not mind getting a few prospects.
Would also like to understand if we are trying to fill a position (someone who is more ready to play)? Or are we looking for someone with higher upside?

Last year was a high upside pick, and we picked up a few undrafted (eg. Brissett), I wonder how we are using our two-way contracts as well if we are getting more players.

I don't think we will try to fill a position, and you never should. I think high upside pick is good because we can let him develop then decide with what to do later. That's the success we have with Pascal. What's even great is that we are winning so we have no pressure for the new pick to contribute right now

[Indeed]

Shoot, the way we develop and find undrafted talent - I don't mind if we go after Paul Eboua with our 1st round pick.

This dude has all the physical tools:

Note - these highlights are from 2018 so he has to be better than this now

Watch on YouTube

Would not mind, and with the pick being the end of the draft, would not mind getting a few prospects.
Would also like to understand if we are trying to fill a position (someone who is more ready to play)? Or are we looking for someone with higher upside?

Last year was a high upside pick, and we picked up a few undrafted (eg. Brissett), I wonder how we are using our two-way contracts as well if we are getting more players.

I don't think we will try to fill a position, and you never should. I think high upside pick is good because we can let him develop then decide with what to do later. That's the success we have with Pascal. What's even great is that we are winning so we have no pressure for the new pick to contribute right now

I think it depends, for example, drafting Delon Wright was not a bad move. Meanwhile, we have a few players on their last year of contract, and maybe good to have some insurance.