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Toronto Raptors: Five worst draft picks in recent franchise history

By Jordan Skuse

NEW YORK - JUNE 24: Rafael Araujo of the Toronto Raptors talks with the media after the 2004 NBA Draft at Madison Square Garden on June 24, 2004 in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2004 NBAE (Photo by Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK - JUNE 24: Rafael Araujo of the Toronto Raptors talks with the media after the 2004 NBA Draft at Madison Square Garden on June 24, 2004 in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2004 NBAE (Photo by Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK – JUNE 28: Andrea Bargnani of the Toronto Raptors, the number one overall pick, poses for a portrait backstage during the 2006 NBA Draft on June 28, 2006 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2006 NBAE (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK – JUNE 28: Andrea Bargnani of the Toronto Raptors, the number one overall pick, poses for a portrait backstage during the 2006 NBA Draft on June 28, 2006 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2006 NBAE (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Over the past 18 years the Toronto Raptors have made several draft day mistakes. We take a look at the franchise’s five worst picks since 2000.

Since arriving in Toronto, team president Masai Ujiri has an outstanding record in the NBA Draft.  The team has experienced success stories such as OG Anunoby, Jakob Poeltl, Pascal Siakam, and Delon Wright…and don’t forget about Fred VanVleet, who went undrafted. (Critics will bring up Bruno Caboclo, but one miss among several makes is nothing to sneeze at)

However, you shouldn’t confuse the team’s recent success with an impeccable history. Since the franchise’s inaugural draft in 1995, the team has made 37 selections, 23 of which have been in the first round. Of the 37 selections some have been good  and some….. did not pan out.

Drafting is an inexact science. Despite what some might say, there is no such thing as a sure thing in sports — yes, even the selection of child prodigy LeBron James came with some risk. Every draft pick represents an educated guess…a calculated risk. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Some turn out wonderful (Kevin Durant)…

…others not so much (Greg Oden).

Earlier, we took a look at the best picks in franchise history. DeMar DeRozan, Tracy McGrady, and Chris Bosh to name a few. Now its time to sift through the mistakes.

Here are the five worst selections made by Toronto, dating back to 2000 (Let’s spare Tyson Wheeler and the other early draftees forced to develop for an expansion franchise).