With the 2022 NBA Draft taking place tonight, the hype centered around who the Toronto Raptors will select from this year’s class has reached a fever pitch. With heavy speculation mixed with reports from those close to the team, three clear-cut favorites to be acquired by the Raptors this year have emerged.
Bobby Webster said that Toronto would again prioritize versatility and defense in this draft. Webster seems to imply that Toronto is more than willing to take on an offensively deficient player. 72 players worked out with Toronto, including a few they have shown interest in early in the draft process.
With the Raptors selecting outside of the first round once again, the Raptors brass will be tasked once again to find this year’s diamond in the rough. Each of these potential prospects brings a unique skill set, but most importantly, all three of these players fit the Raptors’ culture formulated around versatile, defensive players.
Ahead of tonight’s official selection, here are the three players most likely to be drafted by the Raptors if Webster’s statement ends up becoming the driving force behind Toronto’s 2022 draft strategy.
3 players the Toronto Raptors could draft in the second round.
1. David Roddy, SF, Colorado State
A fire hydrant on the court, Roddy may not look like your typical NBA player. Don’t get it twisted; this guy can hoop. Averaging 19.2 points & 7.5 rebounds, all while shooting over 43% from three-point range last season for the Rams, Roddy has proven himself to be an ascending player.
With a silky-smooth jumper, Roddy makes up for his lack of height with his terrific outside shooting stroke. Able to work well off of catch and shoot scenarios, Roddy is just as effective when he puts his 250-pound frame to use down low, able to throw his weight around en route to the rim.
David Roddy makes sense for the Toronto Raptors.
Obviously, Roddy does come with his disadvantages. Not the fastest player on the court, Roddy may struggle to keep up with the high-tempo pace of the NBA game. He may also face challenges when matching up with bigger interior players who will have a distinct edge in length when going to the rim.
Roddy is a terrific fit for the Raptors, gaining some much-needed shooting as well as a versatile player to use in multiple sets, including small-ball lineups. Look for Roddy to grow into a Grant Williams-esque player in the future who could provide the Raptors with great value off of the bench this upcoming season.