With how the Toronto Raptors have operated over the last couple of months, it could be difficult to foreshadow what may lie ahead of the franchise. Heading into the 2025 NBA Draft specifically, the Raptors will have a golden opportunity, with a projected top-10 pick, to continue to add to their young core. However, the NBA Trade Deadline move for Brandon Ingram does give us the sense that Toronto may be looking for "plug and play" players in the draft.
Finding the perfect fit late in the top-10 could be challenging, but there are a few prospects that could make sense for Toronto. As we inch closer and closer to the 2025 NBA Draft, we explore four of the best and most realistic fits for the Raptors who are likely to be still on the board late in the top 10.
Khaman Maluach, C Duke
Khaman Maluach has become somewhat of a favorite NBA Draft prospect for the Toronto Raptors over the last few months of the draft season. I don't think that much has changed on that front, if we're being honest. Toronto is going to have a need in the frontcourt heading into the offseason and if they could find the long-term answer at the position, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Raptors make this type of selection without much hesitation.
The expectation is that Maluach will be the type of prospect who could translate to a defensive anchor right off the bat and perhaps one who has the ability to grow as an offensive difference-maker down the road. The fact that he's also proven to be able to extend his range to the 3-point line is going to be a plus as he makes the jump to the Association. The natural fit for the Raptors is clearly there when it comes to Maluach. My concern is that, with the way he's risen up draft boards of late, he may not be available when the Raptors go on the clock.
Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
Because South Carolina didn't qualify for the NCAA Tournament, Collin Murray-Boyles has been out of the limelight of sorts recently. However, he's the type of player that may be the ideal "plug and play" prospect to be taken late in the lottery. Already drawing some comparisons to Draymond Green, Murray-Boyles could make a ton of sense for the young Raptors. What makes Murray-Boyles an intriguing prospect is the fact that he's considered quite the versatile player.
Is he a bit undersized for the natural power forward position? Sure. However, he does make up for it as a strong defender. If he can sell teams on a consistent jump shot, Murray-Boyles will be a nice fit on several teams selecting late in the lottery. For the Raptors specifically, Murray-Boyles could take some of the pressure off Scottie Barnes from having to do a little of everything on the wing.
Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
If the Raptors are dead-set on finding a center of the future with this selection in the top-10, and Khaman Maluach is already off the board, Thomas Sorber is one name to keep a close eye on. The end-of-the-season foot injury certainly complicates his draft stock, but Sorber could be exactly what the Raptors are looking for in the way of a talented big man near the end of the top-10.
During his freshman season at Georgetown, Sorber proved to be a strong two-way player. Averaging 15 points and nine rebounds per game on 53 percent shooting from the field, what you have to love about Sorber the most as a prospect is that he consistently plays at his own pace. He doesn't allow the opposition to speed him up where he plays out of comfort. If the Raptors are looking for a potential long-term answer to the center position that could grow alongside this talented young core, Sorber may be a strong second option.
Egor Demin, F, BYU
Over the past couple of weeks, Egor Demin has emerged as one of my favorite NBA Draft prospects who could still be on the board late in the top 10. With the way he refused to back down in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 14 points, six assists, and five rebounds per game on 43 percent shooting from the field, Demin did show much competitive fight. It's not just his playmaking ability that he brings as a natural wing, it's the way he's able to impact the game while playing within the system.
For a Raptors team that already has a young core established, Demin could be the exact prospect they need to come in a fill a legitimate role as a "plug and play" prospect. Demin could take some of the playmaking pressure off of Scottie Barnes and also open the door for Toronto to feel more comfortable with a potential RJ Barrett trade in the future. There may be concerns about Demin's defensive abilities or 3-point consistency, but as a pure talent, he could make a ton of sense for Toronto.
The Raptors will have plenty of options with their projected top-10 pick. Finding the right prospect could prove to be vital as this team prepares to take a big step forward in the Eastern Conference next season.