Toronto Raptors: Five biggest what ifs in franchise history

What if the Raptors Drafted Andre Iguodala Instead of Rafael Araujo?

Let’s be honest. Draft picks are a more-or-less crap shoots. Just ask the Portland Trailblazers who have blown several high draft picks (see Sam Bowie and Greg Oden).

But sometimes, teams just get it wrong. They go with a dark horse or project a player too high. Or sometimes teams miss out on a stud who goes later on in the draft.

Both scenarios happen to be the case with Rafael Araujo.

The 6’11” Brazilian centre out of BYU had a strong senior year and impressed scouts and some GM’s. He was, in most mock drafts, projected to go somewhere in the late-first round.

But, don’t tell that to most Raptors fans. It was still quite a shock when his name was called,  especially considering who came next.

In his short stint with Toronto, Araujo averaged 2.9 points and 3.0 rebounds in 111 games for the Raptors. He never came close to performing near the level Raptors brass had hoped for.

What If the Raptors Draft Andre Iguodala?

During his time at Arizona, Iguodala helped lead the Wildcats to the NCAA tournament both years, reaching the Elite Eight in his freshman season. He had a reputation as an athlete, a track star and a guy who could jump out of the gym. Sound familiar?

He impressed many doubters in his early career with the Sixers, being named to the All-Rookie Team and proving to be versatile and durable playing in all 82 games in both his rookie and sophomore years.

In his third and fourth years with Philadelphia, he emerged as a leader after Allen Iverson was traded to Denver. He helped lead his team to the playoffs, though without a strong supporting cast, they had little success.

Much Needed Support

During the years between 2001 and 2004, the Raptors were coming down from the incredible heights they had reached during Vinsanity. Carter was experiencing  “jumpers knee”, a chronic leg issue that would limit the number of games he could play in subsequent seasons

His injuries would limit, not only his playing time, but also what the Raptors could put on the floor from the wing position during that time. The drafting of Iguodala instead of Araujo certainly helps to alleviate some of these issues.

Part of the 2006-07 Breakout Raptor Team

Even if Vince still leaves, which is quite likely considering the growing resentment and distrust between player and franchise, the Raptors would still be left with a durable, athletic wing who could score, play defence and, as we’ve seen in recent years, be a strong playoff performer and team guy.

Consider the Raptor team in the year following the 2004 draft. Iguodala would fit in nicely along the emerging star in Chris Bosh and point guard duo Mike James/Jose Calderon, as well as Donyell Marshall, Morris Peterson and even Matt Bonner.

But it’s Iguodala on the breakout team of 2006-07, the squad with Bosh, Calderon, Peterson and Jorge Garbajosa, Anthony Parker and TJ Ford, that makes an awful lot of sense.

If Iguodala on that team as well, you’re looking at a team that will contend in the east for years to come.