Going big at pick #23 for Raptors – why and who

Let’s shake things up a little. If the Raptors don’t like any of the smaller prospects still on the board at #23, how about a giant with an outside shot?

Our orientation here at the Rapture has been to bring to your attention prospects the Toronto Raptors may be able to grab at their relatively lowly spot in the 2017 NBA Draft. The Raptors’ only selection on June 22 is at the #23 spot, as a result of their excellent 51-31 campaign of 2016-17.

Furthermore, we’ve been stressing the need for more shooting since forever, and we have been looking at available swingmen. However, we can’t close our eyes to this possibility: by the time Masai Ujiri and his advisers are on the clock, all the PG/SF prospects of quality may be gone.

This leopard hasn’t changed his spots. I still believe in drafting for need rather than slavishly following the specious “best player available” mantra. However, you should never force yourself to like someone. If your analysis indicates the last (swing)man standing doesn’t project to help the team, move on.

And where do we move to? How about a versatile Euroleague giant?

Another Euro – why not?

Anzejs Pasecniks is a 7’2″ Latvian currently playing for Gran Canaria….yes, that Gran Canaria. He turns 22 late this year, which is an automatic turnoff for many teams who want teenagers. While that’s an understandable concern, it doesn’t worry me so much. We aren’t likely to find a world-beater at this draft slot. I’m more interested in whether this fellow’s game translates well to the NBA.

Loyal readers know I place great stress on form. I don’t like guys who slingshot the ball like Joakim Noah, or shoot off the wrong foot (i.e., the same one as their shooting hand) like Andrea Bargnani used to do. Not only are the results almost sure to disappoint, but bad form often leads to injury.

Pasecniks moves and shoots with considerable smoothness and ease. Yes, he’s skinny (220 lbs.) but I suspect he’ll fill out. Like so many big men, his body will probably take longer than most people’s to find its final dimensions.

Worth the risk?

I don’t know if I’m ready to call him a young Steve Novak, but that’s all I’ve got at the moment. He’s been moving up on a number of draft boards from mid-second round to late first. If I was asked who’s more likely to help the Raptors as a stretch-4/5 off the bench next season, this fellow might be ahead of Bruno Caboclo.

Another positive for a player like this is his value as a trade chip. A big man with a proven (let’s be optimistic!) ability to shoot from outside can be in high demand as the playoff chase tightens.

Pasecniks would be a risky pick, but Masai isn’t afraid of bold moves, and his job is safe. I’d be happy to hear Adam Silver mangle Pasecniks’s name on draft night with our pick.

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