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The Toronto Raptors should look to trade up in the draft to select Isaac Okoro

By Mark Birdsell

LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 29: Isaac Okoro #23 of the Auburn Tigers is seen during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on February 29, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 29: Isaac Okoro #23 of the Auburn Tigers is seen during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on February 29, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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With most teams now focused on the upcoming draft. Isaac Okoro is one player above everyone else who would fit perfectly with the Toronto Raptors.

For the Toronto Raptors, the season ended in a slight disappointment. The team just didn’t have enough firepower to overcome the Boston Celtics. Regardless, after being written off by many following Kawhi Leonard’s departures the Raptors put up a valiant title defense.

Now the focus shifts towards the offseason. There is uncertainty as to when the 2020-21 season will actually start. Adam Silver is on record saying it won’t happen until at least January. However, what is known is that this year’s draft will take place on November 18.

Given the ongoing concerns related to COVID-19, the NBA had laid out a plan to help teams prepare for the draft.

Teams are permitted to conduct virtual interviews. Prospects will be able to travel to NBA facilities for medical and agility testing. They are also permitted to conduct virtual “pro days”.

The draft interviews have already started. The Toronto Raptors have spoken to a number of prospects including Tyrell Terry, Jalen Smith, Isaiah Joe, and Zeke Nnaji. Draft boards are still in a state of flux. It remains to be seen who will be available when the Raptors are selecting at no. 29.

The Toronto Raptors have done an excellent job over the last few seasons of adding rotation players. Most of that has occurred outside the draft. Fred VanVleet, Terence Davis, Matt Thomas, and Chris Boucher all went undrafted. The Raptors haven’t had a first-round pick since 2017 when the team selected OG Anunoby.

The Raptors will have a number of options when the team in on the clock. Tyler Bey would provide another versatile, defensive-minded forward. Jahmi’us Ramsey could add some much-needed scoring off the bench. One option which hasn’t been discussed much is trading up in the draft.

Historically, Masai Ujiri has avoided making draft day trades. Back in 2013, Ujiri attempted to secure a first-round pick in order to select Giannis Antetokounmpo. It was also rumored that the Raptors had their sights on buying a pick in 2018 in order to draft Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, no trades actually came to fruition and both times the Raptors lost out on an intriguing, long-limbed prospect.

This year’s draft doesn’t have any surefire franchise-changing talent. But there are a number of strong prospects projected to be selected in the top 10.

LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and James Wiseman should be taken in some order at the top of the draft. Beyond those three, there will be a number of intriguing wings and guards left for teams to choose from.

For the Toronto Raptors, one player that checks off all of the right boxes is Auburn forward, Isaac Okoro.