The 2024 NBA Draft will be pivotal for the Toronto Raptors, who have launched a full-scale rebuild of late, shipping off just about everyone who was on Toronto’s 2019 championship roster. We’ve seen Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby get shipped off, while Fred VanVleet has also changed uniforms.
The Raptors have the Indiana Pacers’ draft pick (protected 1-3), which isn’t necessarily the most favorable pick to have, as the Pacers have been much improved and hold the sixth-best record in the Eastern Conference.
The Raps have several roster needs and Masai Ujiri is one of the best in the business when it comes to roster construction (although some of his recent moves would lead one to question the validity of that reputation). However, no mistake would be bigger than listening to Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, as it pertains to what the Raps should do with Indiana's pick.
Wasserman compiled his updated mock draft and made a rather....interesting suggestion for Toronto.
Take a look and figurative listen for yourself.
"Tyler Smith has now gone four consecutive games without making a three-pointer, a potential concern for a prospect whose shooting has been the sole driving force behind his rise. In the meantime, it's also a good sign he's found other ways to score off his finishing and mid-range touch.
This current mini-slump from three won't negate the 56 makes he's had throughout the season. Smith will also have a good opportunity to sell teams on his shot during workouts.
Overall, he does have fans who'd take him lottery, but there are also skeptics who see a one-dimensional player."
Wasserman doesn't give much of a glowing review for the G-League Ignite big man, which is the first cause for concern.
Latest mock draft has Ujiri making drastic mistake.
But also, Smith would present a bit of a redundancy for Toronto. After all, they just extended Kelly Olynyk, who is a reliable outside shooter and great facilitator for a big man.
Olynyk has made 40 percent from downtown this season and 4.2 assists, despite playing just 21.2 minutes per contest, so again, why bother with Smith?
Granted, Olynyk is turning 33-years-old next month and probably won't be around for much longer. Regardless, the Raps have around $33 million invested at the center position between Olynyk and Jakob Poeltl, so getting another big man in the first round would be foolish.
Let's hope Ujiri has better plans with that pick.