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Fansided

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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(Photo by Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Rafael Araujo (selected 8th overall in 2004)

The fourth-year senior out of Brigham Young University was supposed to solidify the five position in Toronto…

supposed to.

Rafael Araujo didn’t…in fact, he made it worse.

Perhaps one can attempt to defend the previous three selections, but there is literally nothing anybody can say about Araujo’s career that paints it in a positive light.

At 6-11 and 280 lbs, Araujo had difficulties with the speed of the game. He averaged three rebounds per game in his rookie season, which, laughably, represented a career high — note that his NBA career lasted only 2+ seasons.

What irked Raptors fans so much about Araujo’s tenure is how the organization handled his playing time, electing to start him 41 of the 59 games he featured in as a rookie. Despite being a starter, he would only play ~ 12 minutes a game, largely in the first and third quarters. Talk to any Raptor fan and the mere mentioning of his name will evoke a cringe or possible eye roll.

The big Brazilian would eventually be traded to Utah, getting in return Kris Humphries (former Kardashian) and Robert Whaley. The fact Toronto received more than a basketball for Araujo is impressive.

Fun Fact: With the 9th pick (one after Toronto), the Philadelphia 76ers selected Andre Iguodala.