3 European NBA Draft prospects the Toronto Raptors could select

The Toronto Raptors will need to use their No. 33 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, as that second-round pick is their only piece of draft capital. Masai Ujiri and Nick Nurse will be tasked with bringing another raw player into Toronto’s consistent player development machine.

The Raptors have traditionally had some success with lucking top European prospects from across the pond. Jonas Valanciunas is the biggest success story that this team can claim over the last decade, and Toronto might try to find their next JV at this point.

This draft doesn’t have many no-doubt international players (though Dyson Daniels is starting to separate and cement himself as a Top 10 pick), but that shouldn’t deter Toronto. The second round is full of prospects that could contribute to the pros if they fix some of their most significant flaws.

Toronto should find some way to ensure that they get enough immediate upgrades to the bench. Still, they could go the European development or draft-and-stash route if Ujiri feels confident in his ability to turn around second-round picks. These 3 players stand out as the best fits for the roster.

3 international players the Toronto Raptors could draft.

3. Ismael Kamagate, C, France

Kamagate is coming off of two very productive seasons in the French league, and the 21-year-old clearly believes that now is the time to make the jump to the states. After adding more weight, the beefy center showed off all of the traits that talent evaluators are eyeing this year.

Kamagate was drawn up by scientists trying to engineer the ideal rim-running big man who could be an excellent pick-and-roll threat in the pros. Not only can Kamagate put the ball on the floor and get to the hole, but his defensive energy and pestilence are exactly what Ujiri would like to see from a youngster like him.

Ismael Kamagate will be a contributor for the Toronto Raptors.

Kamagate’s development should be focused on his offensive ability, or lack of same. While he was able to be a force against French competition, he isn’t going to be much in the pros without some better interior finishing and a left hand that is worth something. It may take a year to realize that.

Kamagate is a bit of a gamble that could fizzle in the pros if his offensive game never takes a step forward. Considering the success that names like Scottie Barnes and Precious Achiuwa have had over the last few years, Toronto seems like a perfect environment for him.