3 player comparisons for Raptors draft pick Christian Koloko

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: A general view as Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum announces Christian Koloko as the 33rd pick by the Toronto Raptors during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 04: Dewayne Dedmon #21 of the Miami Heat (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Mid-Range: Dewayne Dedmon

Dedmon has bounced around the league in his career, averaging 6.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in that span. Over the last handful of seasons, Dedmon has become a quality reserve for both a Hawks team and Heat squad that reached the conference finals.

Dedmon will never be the leading scorer, but he’s been a pestilent defender and quality rebounder that can occasionally finish inside the paint. Koloko doesn’t have much of a jumper, but he could be a slight threat from beyond the arc like Dedmon if he ends up adding that to his game.

The Toronto Raptors could turn Christian Koloko into Dewayne Dedmon.

With Miami, Dedmon’s energy has been one of the reasons that the Heat consistently have one of the best second-units in the game. A half-decade of production in that same vein would be a very impressive get for the Raptors in the second round.

Koloko is a bit of a question mark, but his defensive appears to be a sure thing. Dedmon was able to take the next step by being a respectable 3-point shooter in addition to a solid defender, and Koloko could fit that mold if he adds that facet to his game early in his career.