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Toronto Raptors: Five potential first round prospects to keep an eye on

By Mark Birdsell

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Robert Woodard (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /

Robert Woodard II

Robert Woodard II is another wing. He is exactly the type of player NBA teams are looking for. Woodard is a sophomore at Mississippi State. He’s slightly older. Woodard will turn 21 before the start of next season. However, the Raptors have had success with older players in the past.

Siakam, Norman Powell, Fred VanVleet, and Davis were all 22 years old when they joined the Raptors. Often older prospects fall towards the end of the first round or even the second round due to the lack of perceived upside. But with that experience comes an ability to step in and play from day one.

Someone like Woodard is more developed than his younger counterparts. Woodard already looks the part of an NBA player. His chiseled 230-pound frame is strong enough to handle the grind of an NBA season. Woodard isn’t going to be pushed around once he gets to the next level.

Woodard also has great measurements for a combo forward. He is 6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan. Woodard is capable of guarding multiple positions. He is also a good athlete, capable of making highlight plays on both ends of the floor.

One reason Woodard is likely to fall towards the end of the first round he isn’t an advanced shot creator. Woodard needs to work on his handle. Early in his career, most of Woodard’s points will come in transition or spot-up opportunities.

Woodard looks the part of a 3-and-D player. He’s averaging 11.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.1 steals and a block while shooting 42.9 percent from three-point range.

One concern for scouts is will Woodard’s shooting translates to the next level. He is not a high volume shooter. Woodard only averages 2.3 threes per game. He is also a below-average free throw shooter at 64.1 percent.

Woodard doesn’t appear in everyone’s mock drafts. Sports Illustrated doesn’t project Woodard as a first-round pick. ESPN has him at no. 26, whereas Bleacher Report had Woodard being selected in the 20s until their most recent mock draft.

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