Toronto Raptors draft: 4 second round prospects Masai Ujiri could take
By Avishai Sol
No. 1: Charles Bassey, C, Western Kentucky
A recently declared draft prospect, Bassey had been on mock boards for two years already before finally pulled the trigger on his NBA career. Despite just completing his junior season, Bassey is still only 20 years old.
A super athlete with broad shoulders and long arms, Bassey is the kind of shot blocker/rim protector that any team would love to have, but especially the Raptors. Standing 6’11 and weighing in at 235 pounds, Bassey’s agility at his size is his biggest selling point athletically. He plays with an energy that’s fun to see from a guy with his physical tools.
Raptors draft: Charles Bassey can attack the rim.
Bassey falls in line with the Clint Capelas and Dwight Howards of the world. An old school, physical big man, who won’t change your franchise by himself but can be useful on a competent team.
It’s unclear how much finesse skill Bassey has to his game. He’s not much of a shooter, and prefers to use his power around the basket then to fake or weave or dance. The best-case scenario for him would be a Bam Adebayo type. He’s got good court awareness for a big guy, he’s a great athlete, likes to get deep post positioning, but not much of a shooter.
He’s be a useful five-man in Toronto, the only trouble would be the clog up between him and Khem Birch in the frontcourt. Bassey brings a lot of the same tools to the table Birch does, energy, athleticism, defence, and mobility.
I presented with the opportunity in the second round, Bassey is still too juicy a prospect to pass up. One thing we know for sure is Masai Ujiri definitely has his eye on him. Born in Nigeria, Bassey was named the MVP of Ujiri’s own Giants of Africa program. The Raptors connections already run deep. Don’t be surprised if we see him in red and black next fall.