NBA Draft 2024 Rumors: Raptors 'Team to Monitor' for Zach Edey If He Drops to No. 19

Toronto native and former Purdue star Zach Edey could be pursued by his hometown team in the upcoming NBA draft, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.

The Toronto Raptors, who currently hold the No. 19 pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, "love homegrown Canadian-born players and are a team to monitor for Zach Edey if he falls to this pick," Scotto reported.

The Raptors recently made a major trade to acquire another Toronto native with their midseason deal for former New York Knicks standout RJ Barrett.

Barrett was the eighth Canadian to ever join the Toronto roster, per TSN's Josh Lewenberg. He was also the country's highest-profile player ever to don a Raptors jersey.

Now Toronto could have a chance to develop another hometown star with Edey, who averaged 25.2 points through 39 starts while leading the Boilermakers to the NCAA Tournament championship game in his senior season at Purdue.

There's still a chance, however, that one of the teams selecting before Toronto could use a first-round pick on the 7-foot-4 center instead.

In his latest mock draft for Bleacher Report, Jonathan Wasserman projects the Los Angeles Lakers using the No. 17 pick to add size to their frontcourt by selecting Edey. Scotto himself predicts the Orlando Magic will use the No. 18 selection to draft the former Purdue standout as part of a question to improve their shooting.

The Raptors may have to wait until the first round begins June 26 to determine their ability to draft another hometown player while adding scoring and rebounding potential.