A Look Back at the Last 5 Raptors Draft Picks

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Many teams rely on the draft pick they obtain at the end of the year to get stronger and upgrade various positions. For the Raptors, it is no different—every pick is a gamble and every decision is unknown, but fans should be happy at the way the last five lottery picks turned out for the Toronto Raptors.

2011 Pick #5: Jonas Valanciunas

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Jonas Valanciunas was a huge surprise for Raptors’ fans. Whether it was a surprise because fans did not want to see another experimental international player, or a surprise because he was still on the board at No. 5. Regardless, this was the right decision to make for the Raptors.

Being able to bring in Jonas Valanciunas certainly fills the need at the five position, allowing Andrea Bargnani, Amir Johnson and Ed Davis to play their natural four position. With the way point guards Bayless and Calderon turned out this season, there is no reason to have picked Walker or Knight.

Jonas is currently the best big man to play outside of the NBA, and when he does join the team next season, the Raptors will be ready to compete for a playoff spot.

2010 Pick #13: Ed Davis

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Selected 13th overall in the 2010 NBA draft, Ed Davis is a player with a lot of potential and skills to take him to the next level. His size and rebounding ability really gives the Raptors a lot of options in the front court.

Looking back at all the other prospects that went after Davis, none have really made a name besides Landry Fields and a few guards in between. On paper, this was a terrific pick, filling in a void after the departure of Chris Bosh. 

Don’t be discouraged with his play thus far, a few more years and a steady dose of minutes will turn him into a solid player.

2009 Pick #9: DeMar DeRozen

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Finally breaking through last season, DeMar DeRozen is a terrific prospect still with a lot to prove. His ability to score on the fast break and consistency in sticking jump shots have always been DeMar’s game.

As DeRozen continues to be more consistent, he may turn out to be a terrific All-Star and a steal at ninth in the 2009 draft.

2006 Pick #1 Andrea Bargnani

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In each of his first five NBA seasons, Andrea Bargnani has been nothing more than a disappointment. Some big games here and there with minimal effort on the defensive end really frustrates Raptors' fans.

However, this year, Andrea has really picked up his game, providing the team with a leader, playing like an All-Star and being among the league’s best scorers.

There have been many debates on whether this was the right pick for the Raptors, but I just think with the way things are going now and the options back then, this was a correct decision.

2003 Pick #4: Chris Bosh

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Does this name sound familiar to Raptors’ fans? There are a few picks between 2003 and 2006 but none more important to the Raptors than Chris Bosh.

Throughout his seven years of service for the Toronto Raptors, he had developed into a franchise player and leader for this team. Although he was not a great and loyal leader, you have to give him credit for what he has done to help this team get into the playoffs.

Nobody wanted to see him leave the Raptors, but this was the right draft pick to make.

Feel free to comment on who you think the Raptors should have drafted in these years.

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