NBA Draft “Expert” websites consider Raptors choice at #9

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

There’s no more uncertainty about the order of selection for the upcoming NBA draft. Let’s look at some popular sites for their views on the Raptors pick.

One of the most challenging tasks for an NBA General Manager is the annual Draft. This year’s prospect class I would describe as barely average, but Masai Ujiri should still be able to pluck a valuable prospect who can join the Toronto Raptors and make an impact. That’s because this year we finally enjoy the long-delayed gratification of getting paid for trading Andrea Bargnani to the New York Knicks.

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May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri is interviewed during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri is interviewed during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

After the ping pong balls finished bouncing Monday night, the Raptors were exactly where we thought they would be, namely, drafting in the #9 slot. Let’s take a look around and see who some credible commentators think is the ninth-best NBA prospect. [Note: we won’t be doing in-depth reviews of each candidate here; we’re simply touching the waves.]

NBAdraft.net likes Jakob Poeltl, the long centre from Austria who just completed his sophomore year at Utah. While I’m certainly in favour of more size on our team, I don’t know whether this fellow makes sense for us. If Bismack Biyombo is returning then the answer is definitely “No”; we don’t need three centres (4 if you count Bebe).

Can Jakob play in the NBA? From what limited amount of viewing I’ve had of him, certainly, and he may be the fabled “best player available” when Masai is on the clock. We’ll be returning to Jakob.

DraftExpress.com also has the Raptors picking a low-post player, but they like Deyonta Davis ahead of Poeltl. Davis is still a teenager, but is leaving Michigan State after his freshman season for fame and fortune, and how can you blame him? There’s a lot to like about Davis, but there are easier tasks than trying to project how such a young man will develop.

Sports Illustrated has the Raptors selecting Jaylen Brown, whom I’m happy to say we’ve already looked at. He’s a gifted swingman who will push every perimeter player we have for minutes. Here’s two big IFs: Toronto picks Brown, who tears it up in training camp. Result – Terrence Ross packs his bags.

I’m happy to quote SI’s Andrew Sharp: “It’s shocking that Poeltl could actually be drafted behind Jaylen Brown and Skal Labissiere, but most of the teams in the top 10 don’t need centers.” Hear, hear – team need matters.

The NBA site likes power forward Henry Ellenson out of Marquette for the Raptors. Yours Truly, who’s been lamenting the lack of a true PF for approximately forever, will be taking a closer look at this fellow. Sports Illustrated has him at #5 for the New Orleans Pelicans, while Draft Express ranks him #13. That’s a wide swing, particularly when you consider NBAdraft has him outside the lottery at #17.

Next: CoJo an unsung hero

There’s a lot of ground to cover in a short time for Masai and his assessment team led by Jeff Weltman. We’ll be looking at many of these prospects in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.