2020 NBA Draft: 5 Players the Toronto Raptors could be targeting

Nick Richards

Continuing the theme of the Toronto Raptors possibly losing some of their key frontcourt players his offseason, we next look at Kentucky center Nick Richards, who broke out in the 2019-20 season after a weak 2019 season. During the 2019-20 season, Richards went from one of John Calipari‘s “kids” to one of his “guys” in a 2020 season that saw him become an intimidating presence on both ends of the floor.

There’s reason to believe Richards has can become a legit shooter though that day would be long, long in the future. But in the meantime, Richards can immediately help shore up some of Toronto’s weakest areas.

Over 64 games in the 2019-20 season, the Raptors were 22nd in the league in offensive rebound percentage and 25th in second-chance points. Richards—whether he was brought along slowly or thrown right into the fire—would be able to step in and contribute in a role that would see him crashing the boards and being the roll man in many, many pick-and-rolls.

In the 2019-20 NCAA season, Richards shot a remarkable 83.7% at the rim per Hoop-Math.com. He did expand his shot profile a bit as well, shooting 46.9% on 2-point jumpers. As he gets more comfortable with the league, Nurse would slowly be able to work in 16-foot pick-and-pop opportunities for Richards.

The defensive numbers and accolades, of which there are many—including 146 blocks over 105 games, a career 96.2 defensive rating, All-Defensive Team (SEC), and First Team All-SEC—all showcase the ease of which Ricards will translate to the NBA in terms of rim-protection.

But if Richards is selected by the Toronto Raptors, he will be able to develop into a two-way player whose offensive contributions can at least come close to matching his defensive output.