3 European NBA Draft prospects the Toronto Raptors could select
By Mike Luciano
2. Gabriele Procida, SG, Italy
The Andrea Bargnani experience should not spook the Raptors when it comes to identifying and drafting the next great Italian talent. Procida and Matteo Spagnolo are vying for that title in this draft class, but Procida’s silky smooth offensive game might give him the higher floor.
Procida is a quality shooter who should be able to eventually become a solid 3-point marksman if he lands in the right spot. A solid rebounder for his size with good defensive tools, Procida is a 3-and-D wing with the athletic ability needed to attack the rim when the situation requires it.
Gabriele Procida is a scorer who can boost the Toronto Raptors.
At times, Procida needs to work on reigning in his offensive game, as he can be a bit turnover-prone. Procida will need to get some confidence in the G League before he is given major NBA minutes, as he is an iffy foul shooter that has been hit-or-miss when it comes to finishing at the rim.
Toronto’s lack of shooting after Svi Mykhailuk fell out of the rotation has been discussed ad nauseam since the plug was officially pulled, and Procida’s ability to nail shots from deep may play a part in making the Raptors better in this area. Nick Nurse is a quality coach who could make him a better defender.