Raptors Rapture
Fansided

NBA Mock Draft: Who will the Raptors take in the lottery?

By Mike Luciano

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Chet Holmgren #34 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs is introduced before a game against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the Good Sam Empire Classic basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on November 22, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs defeated the Chippewas 107-54. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Chet Holmgren #34 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs is introduced before a game against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the Good Sam Empire Classic basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on November 22, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs defeated the Chippewas 107-54. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 7
Next
Paolo Banchero, NBA Mock Draft
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 16: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Duke Blue Devils, projected to go high in this 2022 NBA Mock Draft (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Even though some lottery teams like the Toronto Raptors are trying everything they can to get their season turned around, that won’t stop them from looking ahead to the 2022 NBA Draft. With college basketball starting up, every NBA Mock Draft wizard is trying to figure out where stars like Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, and Jalen Duren will land.

This draft has been billed as one of the best in recent memory. In addition to a handful of potential game-changers at the very top, some elite talents can be had near the fringes of the lottery. If you need an elite center or high-scoring wing, this is the year to grab one.

Are you looking for a top international prospect with a high developmental ceiling? You’re in luck! Several top prospects from overseas could make the trip to North America and become stars.

Teams like the Raptors, Cavaliers, and Grizzlies could shoot into the stratosphere if they nail this pick. Likewise, the Rockets, Pelicans, and Pistons could change the dynamic of their whole franchise. Which teams made out the best in this 2022 lottery mock draft?

2022 NBA Mock Draft: Will the Toronto Raptors draft a star?

1. 169. PF. Duke. Paolo Banchero. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

The No. 1 pick might be decided by fit more than anything. With Alperen Sengun and Daniel Theis forming a passable yin-yang combination at center, Houston opts for arguably the most pro-ready player in the draft. Be it on the perimeter as a ball-handler or down in the post, Banchero can score at will and set teammates up with nifty passes.

Banchero might not be the best defender in the world right now, but it would be foolish to pass on a player with the athletic ability, offensive refinement, and potential Banchero has Alongside Jalen Green and Christian Wood, the Rockets could finally start making some noise after two rough seasons.

NBA Mock Draft: Will Paolo Banchero go before Chet Holmgren?

Gonzaga. Chet Holmgren. 2. Scouting Report. C. player. 69. Pick Analysis

Let’s get the obvious thing out of the way. Holmgren needs to add a ton of weight, as he is a shockingly skinny player for someone that profiles as a post presence at the next level. Luckily for New Orleans, it’s hard to find a ton of faults in his game outside of his weight concerns.

Holmgren has point guard-esque handles while being able to protect the basket better than anyone in this class and attack the basket. Having a 195-pound center and 285-pound power forward in Zion Williamson would be a funny fit, but with those two alongside Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans would have their core for the future.