NBA Draft 2011: How the Toronto Raptors Failed by Passing on a Point Guard

First of all, let me say that I live in Israel and that last night's NBA draft only started at 2:30 am for me. Staying up all night waiting for your home team to only pick one guy is a bit intense, but I felt like I owed it to the Raptors to see who they would pick to begin the years of rebuilding. 

After the selection of Jonas Valanciunas, I am now filled with regret, and to Bryan Colangelo: I want my hours of sleep back.

As I wrote in my previous draft articles, the Raps need serious help at the point guard spot, or at least with a swingman or small forward. They don't need more European big men. At all.

Remember when the Raptors picked Andrea Bargnani first overall—and he's been good, but not great since then?

Yeah, well this year's pick is only an inch shorter and 10 pounds lighter, which equals pretty much the same person.

Oh, and did I mention that Jonas can't play in the NBA for another year?

So, what the pick of Jonas Valanciunas pretty much means for the Raptors is...absolutely nothing. At least for another year. Considering the Raptors are trying to rebuild, this pick is completely ridiculous. If your starting point guard is not averaging 10 points a game, then you need help at that position.

Kemba Walker could help. Brandon Knight and Jimmer Fredette could, too.

Nope. Those in Toronto are true Canadians who believe in multiculturalism so much that are future starting lineup is two Lithuanians, an Italian, a Spaniard and DeMar DeRozan. Hmm...

When Jonas finally can come play for Toronto, he will help bolster the frontcourt, but that is only in another year. Are the Raptors banking on a lockout, or are they just willing to finish last in the league so they can win the lottery next year and pass on Jared Sullinger in favor of another European big man? 

Unless the Toronto organization starts putting together some moves to make this a complete team instead of just a group of guys to play with European big men, they are losing my interest for the time being. This team is trying to rebuild and win, not repeat past errors and lose.

I hope to see a lot of movement in this offseason to make up for this draft pick.