Raptors draft: 3 hot starts Masai Ujiri needs to take notice of

1. Jalen Duren, C, Memphis

Duren makes a ton of sense for the Raptors if they end up starting to slide in the standings and planning a more successful campaign in 2022-23. Not only would Duren fill a starting spot at a position of need, but he’d do so while showing off some legit start potential. He’s hit his stride under Penny Hardaway with the Tigers.

Duren has averaged 15,0 points, 10.8 rebounds, and an insane 4.8 blocks per game despite playing alongside top recruits like Emoni Bates and Lester Quinones. Against Western Kentucky, Duren tallied 22 points with 19 rebounds and five blocks in a masterful exhibition of his talent.

Toronto Raptors draft: Jalen Duran could be a star.

Pascal Siakam is playing at the center spot to make sure all of Toronto’s heavy hitters can be in the starting lineup. However, if presented with the opportunity to move Siakam back to power forward and take a potential starter for a decade at center, Ujiri would likely jump at the chance.

Duren will need some work on offense, but in an age where the dominant low-post big man is starting to be phased out, the Memphis star is one of the few that have the athletic ability to stick around in this new NBA. If the Raptors start to pick up more losses, Duren should need to make sure his passport is valid.