ESPN Raptors mock draft has Toronto adding versatile forward

The Toronto Raptors are inching closer to finally making that all-important No. 33 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Where most teams would see a lottery ticket meant to be gambled with, Masai Ujiri and Toronto sees a unique opportunity to add some young talent to the roster.

The Raptors are again looking for players that defend multiple positions and fill several roles on this roster, as that philosophy has helped make them one of the league’s most consistent winners over the last decade. Toronto will be spoiled for choice at No. 33 overall.

After working out 72 different prospects, Toronto is certainly casting a wide net and trying to find the best player for the job. Based on what the mock draft predictors have to say, it appears as though one player the Raptors have shown interest in pre-draft could be on his way to Canada.

ESPN’s Jonathan Givony had Ujiri and the Raptors using the No. 33 pick on Colorado State forward David Roddy. Don’t let the fact he comes from Malachi Flynn’s Mountain West Conference fool you. Roddy has one of the most unique skillsets in this draft, with many of the traits the Raptors consistently prioritize.

Toronto Raptors Mock Draft: David Roddy seems ideal for Masai Ujiri.

A three-year starter, Roddy truly played all five positions at one point or another in the 2021-22 season. With the sweet-shooting (43.8% 3-point percentage) and passing instincts of an oversized 6-5 guard, yet the post skill and muscle of a 252-pound forward, Roddy is genuinely the best of both worlds.

Roddy, who has worked out for Toronto, averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last year. In the NBA, Roddy likely profiles as a thicker wing who can reliably shoot from deep and use his surprising athleticism to defend anywhere from shooting guard to power forward.

Does that not sound like everything Ujiri could ever want in a prospect?

Where some may see a positionless player, others may see a tweener. Lacking an elite handle for guard duties and the height for full-time power forward work, Roddy is a bit of a projection. Teams might also wonder if his amazing shooting year in 2021-22 resulted from tangible improvement or a one-month outlier.

The idea of what Roddy could be, especially for a Raptors team that would live to get their hands on a player with his combination of skills, is so enticing that he could be the pick at No. 33 if he is still available. Roddy will reach his full potential if he lands in an environment like Toronto.