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Drafting errors from Raptors’ past – are there lessons to be learned?

Feb 15, 2014; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State honored the 2003-04 Final Four Team (pictured left to right), John Lucas, Janavor Weatherspoon, Joey Graham, Tony Allen, Ivan McFarlin, and former head coach and College Basketball Hall of Famer Eddie Sutton during halftime of their game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Oklahoma won 77-74. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Recently I posted a Trade Proposal to spirit Anthony Bennett out of Minnesota. The Editor at Dances With Wolves noticed the proposal, and offered his take on it to his readers. It’s always intriguing to read the reaction of those on the other side. In effect, Ben Breecken likes the idea of gaining Greivis Vasquez and our #20 draft pick, and thinks the Raptors would be overpaying for Bennett. I’m troubled to note how far Bennett has tumbled, from his elite status as the #1 overall selection by the Cleveland Cavaliers two drafts ago, to a near throw-in on a deal which is unlikely to draw much attention should it transpire.

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Even in these days of supposedly advanced scouting methods, and analytics to gain insights impossible to imagine a decade ago, NBA teams still make massive mistakes in drafting. A year after each draft, hoops websites will publish re-drafts, and rarely do those match the actual choices.

I’ve been mulling about the Toronto Raptors’ first-round draft mistakes, and whether there are any lessons to be learned from them. I won’t accept the notion that General Managers should be let off the hook because the draft is “a crapshoot”.

While one could argue about who the worst of the worst is, let’s not go there. Instead we’ll consider a couple of the biggest stinkers, in no particular order.

Rafael Arajuo, Brigham Young University, #8, 2004 – Younger fans may not remember this guy, but he regularly shows up in “Worst Draft Choices Ever” lists, and deserves to. A huge Brazilian centre, he should have been a terrific complement to Chris Bosh, but flopped.

Lessons Learned

Don’t draft older college players. Arajuo was almost 24 when the draft occurred. He wasn’t dominating in college against teenagers; why would GM Rob Babcock think he’d do so against men?
Conditioning matters. Arajuo lugged around 285 lbs. on his 6’11” frame, and was frequently out of breath during NBA games.
Don’t ignore red flags. Arajuo flunked a drug test in college, and was called on the carpet for dirty play.

Andrea Bargnani, Italy, #1, 2006 – The player Raps fans love to hate. He enjoyed a couple of solid seasons, but won’t ever be remembered fondly.

Lessons Learned

Personality and coachability matters, a lot.
Don’t draft a player because he represents a system. GM Bryan Colangelo made no secret of his love for the free-flowing gunslinger hoops played in the Euro-League, and wanted to bring some of its swagger to the NBA. Maybe it was a good idea, or maybe not. Either way, Bargs wasn’t ever going to be its “salesman”.

And here’s a few more: Michael Bradley (Villanova, #17, 2001) – If you can’t find a guy you like, trade the draft spot. Bradley looked, and played, like an afterthought. Joey Graham (Oklahoma State, #16, 2005) – When you draft an “athlete” instead of a player, be prepared for disappointment. Terrence Ross may be a latter-day Joey.

What do you think, Rapture Nation? Any draft thoughts you’d like to share in the Comments?

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