PF Henry Ellenson – Raptors #9 draft pick?

In our continuing series on whom the Raptors could draft, we take a look at a long and hefty power forward who might be ready for the bright lights.

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Fortunately for the Toronto Raptors and their fans, the roster’s biggest hole could be filled on June 23. That’s the night of the NBA draft, in which our team has the #9 selection.

Here at the Rapture, we’ve been concentrating on power forwards who might still be on the board. There’s little argument about the pressing need to find a starter-grade big man, particularly one who can rebound and defend. Certainly we’d be thrilled if our rookie could create and make his own shot in the paint.

The final attribute we’d like the newbie to possess is the ability to contribute in his first season. While I applauded Masai Ujiri’s intestinal fortitude two years ago when he chose the unknown Bruno Caboclo, that was at #20. Our expectations are higher for a lottery pick.

Marquette University’s Henry Ellenson has already strutted his stuff in front of the Raptors brains trust. He wouldn’t have been invited, nor shown up, had there not been mutual interest.

From what I’ve seen, Henry is battle-ready. He’s 19 years young, stands a solid 6’10” and tips the scales at a well-proportioned 242 pounds. (I mentally eliminate players if their body type is flawed, like those with barrel chests, small hands/feet or disproportionately short legs. Henry has no issues.) His rebounding technique is excellent, as he gets on a body quickly and doesn’t get pushed around.

Henry can score from everywhere, including outside the 3-point arc. He isn’t shy about using his left hand, even for low-block jumpers.

He already boasts an excellent handle, showing the ability to go coast to coast after grabbing a defensive board, or putting the ball on the floor after using a fake to get his man off his feet. He can finish in a crowd, and under pressure.

My biggest concern about Henry has to do with whether he can deal with the extraordinary speed and difficulty of the NBA game. I suspect everything has come easy to him so far – what’s going to misfire in his brain when Chris Paul strips him of the ball, or Andrew Bogut won’t bite on a fake?

Henry has considerable work to do as a defender. He suffers from “heavy feet”, which will render his time on the court very short, even against second-unit forwards. He will need to improve his conditioning, and be aware of how much coaching he must absorb. (We don’t need a repeat of the Anthony Bennett washout.)

Transitioning to professional ball is an issue for every rookie. Does Henry have an extra gear? Will he spend the hours he must in the weight room, or firing mid-range jumpers until his legs hurt?

Here’s a highlight reel – Handle With Care, as you won’t get any sense of his weaknesses.

Next: Are 2 Raptors centres 1 too many?

Overall, I think Henry is fine, and would be quite happy if he were Masai’s choice. There are players I like more, but I strongly suspect they will be gone. The consensus of opinion has Henry right around our selection, so don’t be surprised if you hear his name.