NBA Draft 2011: Toronto Raptors Draft Board
With the NBA draft less than a month away, it is time for us to discuss what the Raptors' big board will look like.
By all accounts, it is a three-man list with Kawhi Leonard also making the board due to potential trades for a point guard being mulled over.
It is true that the Raptors actual big board may contain more names to account for a possible trade down, in which case Biyombo, Vesely, Valanciunas and Thompson all figure to be options.
In this article we will take a look at what the Raptors' big board will look like if they stay at No. 5 overall.
Enes Kanter
1 of 5
Enes Kanter is a 6'11" big man prospect from Turkey. He wowed scouts at the 2010 Nike Hoops Summit, going for 34 and 13 in only 22 minutes but was ruled ineligible for the 2010 NCAA season due to financial benefits he received while playing in the Euroleague, thus limiting his exposure to NBA talent evaluators.
Analysis:
Enes Kanter is the first name on the Raptors' big board, but a number of things have to happen for Kanter to slip all the way to No. 5 overall. Enes Kanter represents a great value and would be a great fit for the Raptors at No. 5. Ideally, he would flourish playing beside a defensive-minded power forward like Ed Davis, but could help the Raptors finally try Andrea Bargnani at the four if they decide to keep him. Kanter is a big who likes to defend and rebound and be physical in the post. He is also an adept offensive rebounder.
Brandon Knight
2 of 5
Brandon Knight was one of the top ranked recruits in the country in 2010 and received the same PG prospect grade as Kyrie Irving coming into the 2010 NCAA season. Knight is a 6'3" point guard who fits the new prototype for NBA point guards.
Analysis:
Knight has great length and defensive tools and would be a great fit for the Raptors. Think a slightly slower, taller version of Brandon Jennings. His greatest assets are his upside and defensive ability, and if he is still on the board, he may get his name called above all others on this list.
Kemba Walker
3 of 5
Kemba Walker is UConn’s own Mr. Big Shot who entered the international consciousness with his stellar performances during March Madness. He carried his team to a national championship and scouts will focus more on that than his lack of size.
Analysis:
Walker has proven that he is both a winner and a leader, which will endear him to many teams, especially those in the lottery. He will have a better career on the Raptors than in most other places due to opportunity and style of play. He has the talent to become the go-to option in late game situations, as he has proven time and time again that he is capable of taking—and making—the biggest shots on the biggest and brightest stages.
Kawhi Leonard
4 of 5
Kawhi Leonard has skyrocketed up draft boards after impressive shooting displays at the NBA combine. He is lockdown defender who is also a plus rebounder for the small forward position. He has enough length for the four but will probably be cast as a small forward in the NBA.
Analysis:
Leonard would be a great fit for the Raptors on the wings, but unfortunately, the Raptors have a bigger need at the point. However, with some PGs expected to be available this summer through free agency and trades, the Raptors may deem Leonard the best player available and opt to finally get someone who they truly believe in at the three. Comparisons to Sonny Weems and Julian Wright are way off base; think of a poor man's Shawn Marion without the funny shot and with less blocking ability.
Names to Consider If We Move Down
5 of 5
Other names the Raptors will look at include: Bismack Biyombo, Jonas Valanciunas, Tristan Thompson, Josh Selby and hopefully Jeremy Tyler and Marcus Morris.
Please note that the four names mentioned are not ranked how I think they should be ranked, but rather, how I believe Bryan Colangelo will have them ranked.
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