Toronto Raptors: 2009 NBA Draft

Raphielle Johnson — Mon, 18 May 2009 07:45:39 -0700

2009 NBA DRAFT: NBA Team Needs/Capsules - NBA Mock Draft - Top 100 Prospects

- We’ll update our Team Capsules with more specific info once the lottery is complete.

Toronto Raptors

2008-09 Record: 33-49 (3^rd Atlantic; 13^th in the East)

Draft Pick: 9^th

Key Free Agents:

Shawn Marion (unrestricted)

Anthony Parker (unrestricted)

How They Got Here:

It was thought that the Raptors had a chance to fight for a playoff spot heading into this season. They had a perennial All-Star in Chris Bosh, and the midseason trade of Jermaine O’Neal was supposed to free things up even more on the offensive end for head coach Jay Triano. It didn’t work. Toronto was in the middle of the NBA in field goal percentage but they lacked to offensive firepower needed to compete on a nightly basis. And with Shawn Marion and Anthony Parker both being unrestricted free agents Bryan Colangelo will have his work cut out for him in building a team that can contend for a playoff spot. The Raptors plan to negotiate a long-term deal with Bosh in the offseason, and if they find that he’s set on testing the market in 2010 they could attempt to trade him.

What They Need:

Simply put the Raptors need some serious help. The feeling of many draft experts is that the 2009 class is especially weak (maybe the weakest since 2001) so this won’t be one of those “get rich quick” selections. In regards to the position of their draft pick, Toronto needs to look for a versatile perimeter player who can hold his own on both ends of the floor. Should they lose both Marion and Parker, that’s quite a bit to make up on the defensive end of the floor. If they do deal Bosh they’d better be sure to get a polished big man in return; outside of Blake Griffin you’re not going to find a guy like that in the lottery.

Who They’ll Take:

Tyreke Evans (Memphis) and Gerald Henderson (Duke; should he remain in the draft) are a pair of intriguing options on the perimeter. Henderson is the better defender but Evans is the more versatile of the two offensively. Toronto could also see James Harden (Arizona State) slip to them should too many teams higher in the order ignore his body of work and focus on his play in the NCAA Tournament instead.

Draft History (since 2000)

2008: Nathan Jawai (41^st)

2007: no picks

2006: Andrea Bargnani (1^st), PJ Tucker (35^th)

2005: Charlie Villanueva (7^th), Joey Graham (16^th), Roko Ukic (41^st), Uros Slokar (58^th)

2004: Rafael Araujo (8^th), Albert Miralles (40^th)

2003: Chris Bosh (4^th), Remon Van De Hare (52^nd)

2002: Kareem Rush (20^th)

2001: Michael Bradley (17^th)

2000: Morris Peterson (21^st), DeeAndre Hulett (46^th)

2009 NBA DRAFT: NBA Team Needs/Capsules - NBA Mock Draft - Top 100 Prospects

Top Prospects

Stephen Curry - PG/SG - Davidson

Tyreke Evans - PG/SG - Memphis

Blake Griffin - PF - Oklahoma

James Harden - SG - Arizona State

Jordan Hill - PF - Arizona

Ty Lawson - PG - UNC

BJ Mullens - C - Ohio State

Ricky Rubio - PG - DKV Joventut

Brandon Jennings - PG - Arizona

Hasheem Thabeet - C - UCONN

Toronto Raptors: NBA Draft Team Needs

Raphielle Johnson — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:36:49 -0700

2007-08 Record: 41-41; 2nd Atlantic

Draft Picks: 17

Key Free Agents

G Jose Calderon (restricted)

F Carlos Delfino (restricted)

How they got here and what they need

A year after winning their first-ever division title, the Raptors ran into the buzz saw better known as the "Big Three", with Boston snatching the title back to the tune of a 25-game margin. A first round exit at the hands of Orlando wasn't the best way to cap the season, but it is understandable given the serious injury suffered by point guard T.J. Ford coupled with Andrea Bargnani's sub-par second season. But they've got an All-Star in Chris Bosh, who stands to make more appearances in the annual exhibition as his career progresses.

But Bosh will need some help, as the Raptors had an extremely tough time dealing with Dwight Howard in the playoffs. As long as Calderon is back at the point, Ford could possibly be bait in trying to catch a small forward, but the need of utmost importance is someone who can defend and provide some needed toughness inside.

Who they take

I know most mock drafts have had this guy in the early twenties, but I think this would be a good fit for Stanford's Robin Lopez. Pairing him with Bosh would allow him time in further developing his offensive game, and he's already a solid defender and rebounder.

Draft History (since 2000)

2007: No Picks

2006: Andrea Bargnani (1), PJ Tucker (35)

2005: Charlie Villanueva (7), Joey Graham (16), Roko Ukic (41), Uros Slokar (58)

2004: Rafael Araujo (8), Albert Miralles (40)

2003: Chris Bosh (4)

2002: Kareem Rush (20)

2001: Michael Bradley (17)

2000: Morris Peterson (21), DeeAndre Hulett (46)