The Toronto Raptors will go into the 2022 NBA Draft armed with a very high second-round pick. Depending on how the Pistons finish out the season, that selection could easily end up being as high as the first pick in the second round. They may look to Spokane for reinforcements, as Gonzaga is teeming with pro prospects.
While Mark Few and the Bulldogs have built their style of play around top recruit and potential No. 1 pick Chet Holmgren, the back end of this roster features multiple players that should hear their name called when June rolls around. Toronto may be in a position to snag one of them.
Be it expert shooters, a big man that can put up points in a hurry, or a combo point guard that can play multiple positions, Toronto would be spoiled for choice if they place a premium on prospects from Gonzaga. Don’t let the supposed lack of amazing competition fool you.
If Gonzaga once again goes on a deep run in the NCAA tournament, Masai Ujiri could be very interested in one of these three prospects. With no chance that Holmgren will end up in Toronto this season, Ujiri will need to pivot to one of these three alternatives in the second round.
Toronto Raptors draft: 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs to take in 2022
3. SG Rasir Bolton
Bolton has taken a very long, winding road before ending up as one of the main components of the Bulldogs this season. After transferring from both Iowa State and Penn State, Bolton is having one of his more efficient seasons every despite some questionable volume.
Bolton is averaging just 11.2 points per game, but he’s doing so while making 50% of his shots overall and a ridiculous 47% from 3-point range. Ujiri is typically very high on players with multiple years of collegiate experience, and that could help Bolton land in Toronto.
Raptors draft: Rasir Bolton could be a weapon from 3-point range.
Concerns around Bolton stem from his lack of amazing athletic ability and offensive versatility. After a very long college career, some teams might not be interested in using draft capital to select a 22-year-old that derives most of his value from being a stationary 3-point shooter.
With Svi Mykhailiuk not replicating the hot start he had earlier in the year and Toronto’s general lack of shooting off the bench, Bolton would provide a major upgrade in that area. After amassing nearly five rebounds and four assists per game with Iowa State, Bolton could help this team in other areas if his shot isn’t working.
2. PF/C Drew Timme
For all of the deserved hype and attention around Holmgren, it’s Timme who is leading the Bulldogs in scoring. A rock-solid finisher who enjoyed considerable success during the Zags’ run to the NCAA Championship last year, Timme might appeal to a team like Toronto that lacks great frontcourt depth.
You don’t shoot 62% over three years in college without some fantastic post moves, and the Naismith Award finalist offers that in spades. When Gonzaga has played Power 5 competition, Timme has typically shined, scoring 37 points against Texas and putting up a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double against Alabama.
Raptors draft: Drew Timme profiles as a solid scorer.
Timme’s lack of athleticism and interior defense is the main reasons he won’t be picked in the first round. The Raptors have a nice defensive big man in Precious Achiuwa, but the lack of consistency on the defensive end could make it tough to use their lone draft selection on Timme.
With Khem Birch’s value continuing to decrease, the Raptors might need someone that can get a few buckets off the bench when the need arises. Timme’s production in college should allow him to become a solid offensive player in the pros, even if he may require some G League time to improve his jumper.
1. Andrew Nembhard
After drafting one Canadian in Dalano Banton last season, Toronto could get the chance to follow that up with yet another Ontario native. Born in Aurora and schooled in Vaughn, Nembhard has helped replicate the production that Gonzaga lost when Jalen Suggs left for the NBA.
Nembhard, a 6-5 guard with the smooth passing skills needed to run point in the NBA, is averaging 11.7 points and 5.7 assists per game this season. A high-energy defender who can take on both guard spots, Nembhard checks a ton of the boxes that Toronto usually tries to check off.
Raptors draft: Andrew Nembhard should translate to the pros.
Nembhard will need a few trips to the Nick Nurse shooting school. Not only does he have a bit of an unusual motion, but he’s never shot better than 36% in any of his four college seasons. A lack of great speed will likely impact his pro prospects.
Despite those issues, Toronto seems more than comfortable with taking players that need shooting help if they have athleticism and an advanced feel for the game. Nembhard might not be in the Scottie Barnes tier as a prospect, but a big guard like him should be a welcome sight for the Raptors.