Toronto Raptors: 3 second round picks who could star with Raptors 905
By Mike Luciano
2. Santi Aldama, PF, Loyola (MD)
Aldama has played in just 27 games over the last two years in a mid-major conference like the Patriot Conference, but his numbers are very impressive. Aldama averaged a double-double, scoring 21.2 points per game with 10.1 rebounds per game. He’s more than ready to score at the NBA level.
Aldama’s struggles come on the defensive end, as his length and height will not make a slight difference if his overall athletic ability and subpar strength down low. Raptors 905 could help him put on some weight while working with him to become a better defender, which is the biggest mark against him.
Santi Aldama is the stretch big that the Toronto Raptors love.
Aldama needs time with a team like 905. While they are a team that plays as fast as possible at the expense of defense sometimes, they are also masterful at finding a player’s weakness and making it so that their weaknesses are blunted in a very efficient manner. They could help Aldama hold his own on defense.
On offense, he looks like an ideal Nick Nurse big man, as his passing, shooting, and ability to run the floor are all well beyond excellence for someone that is coming out of this class. Fixing the defense could help him join the rotation in his rookie season.