The Toronto Raptors are kicking their NBA Draft plans into high gear, as they could still draft a player that becomes a consistent bench contributor. If handled correctly, the Raptors might be able to turn reigning Mountain West Player of the Year David Roddy into a long-term piece.
While it took Roddy until his third season at Colorado State to become a superstar performer, he was able to lead the Rams to a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament on the back of his unusual style of play. If anyone loves players that have quirky builds and ways to make an impact, it’s master tinkerer Masai Ujiri and the Raptors.
With a mid-level exception that could be used to add some contributors, the Raptors might decide to solve their lack of guard depth in free agency. If that is indeed the case, Toronto might need to focus most of their draft attention on the wing talent available in this draft.
Roddy’s 6-5 build and sweet 3-point shot might lead some teams to scout him as a wing, but his 250-pound form and intensity in the paint give him the appearance of a power forward. Some teams might view him as such. That versatility might be what brings him to the Raptors as a second-round pick.
YOU CAN'T STOP @droddy22 !#TeamTogether x #CSURams pic.twitter.com/JONjqHOV83
— Colorado State Men’s Basketball (@CSUMBasketball) March 11, 2022
David Roddy would be a good fit with the Toronto Raptors.
Roddy averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this season while shooting 57% from the field and an insane 44% from 3-point range. Rather than teaching a versatile forward how to shoot, the Raptors can be confident in Roddy’s shooting skill right out of the gate.
Roddy is far from an immobile slug on the perimeter. With a lightning-quick first step that belies his size and some impressive finishes at the basket, Roddy would come into the league much more advanced than most Mountain West talent.
His ability to create offense for himself and run through defenders like a defensive end is one thing, but the fact that he’s improved so much since his freshman year bodes well for his future. Roddy went from shooting 46% from the field and 19% from 3-point range to becoming one of the most efficient and clutch players in college basketball.
David Roddy shows what makes him an intriguing NBA prospect ducking behind a handoff for the spot 3 and then pushing off the outlet with a pretty jump pass skip to ignite the break in back to back possessions for Colorado State, who is up 36-29 on Michigan at halftime. pic.twitter.com/AFpH5H5sUF
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 17, 2022
Roddy can be a bit of a ball-stopper on offense, which is not going to mesh well with Toronto’s egalitarian offense. He might be a bit undersized for full-time power forward work at 6-5, and he might also lack the defensive intensity needed to consistently line up as a wing during his early years.
While former Mountain West Player of the Year Malachi Flynn has not hit the ground running in the pros, Roddy might be more productive thanks to his frame, refined offensive game, and defensive versatility. Roddy should be knocking on the rotation door during his rookie year.