4 Pac-12 prospects the Toronto Raptors can select in 2022 NBA Draft

1. Christian Koloko, C, Arizona

Given the absence of center talent outside of the big names that are expected to go in the lottery, Koloko might earn himself a first-round draft selection after leaving early. If Toronto is risky enough to trade back into the first round, they could add a second Cameroonian star with starter potential in this league.

Koloko’s 12.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game are impressive enough, but the 7-1 center’s 2.8 blocks per game confirmed that he was one of the best defensive players in college basketball. Even the most rudimentary examination of Raptors’ tape shows the lack of tremendous interior defense that Koloko could help rectify.

Christian Koloko would be ideal for the Toronto Raptors.

Koloko’s offense is going to be a work in progress. While he has some post moves committed to memory, he’s likely only going to be a dunking threat during his first NBA minutes. Toronto should still be committed to getting someone that can be a defensive star and working out the details later.

Koloko is what an upgraded version of Khem Birch looks like. We love Precious Achiuwa here, but he has his deficiencies when facing the 7-0 big guys of the world. If Koloko gets up to speed on offense, he could singlehandedly fix Toronto’s biggest issue.