BREAKING: 3 early Raptors 2024 NBA Draft targets in No. 6 lottery slot
If the Raptors manage to retain their first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, numerous prospects appear well-suited for Toronto. The tumultuous 2023-24 season for the Toronto Raptors is now in the rearview mirror. The team granted the trio of Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby another opportunity to demonstrate their potential as a core worth building around.
Toronto stumbled to a 15-25 record in their first 40 games of the season before deciding to pivot. They traded Siakam and Anunoby for youthful talents and draft assets, shifting focus away from immediate wins as injuries decimated their roster. Their sights turned towards the 2024 NBA Draft.
Closing the season with the sixth-worst record in the league secured the Raptors the sixth position in the upcoming draft lottery. Toronto must maintain, at least, this standing. A slip in the lottery would result in forfeiting their first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs due to a previous trade for Jakob Poeltl.
Currently, Toronto appears set to retain their draft pick for the upcoming draft. They must hope this remains unchanged after the lottery, as it presents a prime opportunity to bolster their burgeoning young core with a valuable contributor.
Cody Williams, Forward, Colorado
“If Cody Williams resembles his brother even remotely, the Raptors should eagerly pick him without hesitation. As the younger sibling of Oklahoma City Thunder standout Jalen Williams, Cody may not possess the same level of refinement, but his potential is undeniably promising.
Colorado's Cody Williams has come back from his hand injury looking more aggressive than ever. The projected top five pick had 23 points on 13 shots vs Oregon, hunting open jumpers, taking defenders off the dribble, and locking up defensively one on one. pic.twitter.com/GEtwTWEuVI
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) January 31, 2024
Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 190 pounds, this Colorado Buffalo exhibits impressive shooting stats, boasting a 55.1% field goal percentage and a 41.5% three-point shooting accuracy. With his ability to score effectively from all ranges, he presents a coveted three-level scoring potential coveted by NBA teams. Toronto, known for valuing size, wingspan, and athleticism, could greatly benefit from Williams’ attributes. They could field a lineup featuring predominantly tall players, with only Immanuel Quickley falling short of the 6-foot-6 mark, without compromising on shooting ability.
However, Williams isn’t without flaws. His playmaking skills still require development, evident from his modest average of 1.6 assists per game and tendency to turn the ball over twice per contest. This aspect undoubtedly needs refinement at the professional level. Nevertheless, Williams possesses the foundational tools to evolve into a highly skilled player, making him a valuable acquisition for Toronto, especially within the top six picks.”
Isaiah Collier, Guard, USC
Toronto could benefit from bolstering their perimeter with someone like Isaiah Collier to complement Quickley. Currently, their guard depth is lacking, with Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji not specializing in ball handling. Gary Trent Jr. and Bruce Brown may not stay with the team long-term, and Javon Freeman-Liberty was recently moved up from a two-way contract. Collier would provide much-needed support, allowing Quickley and Barnes to share the creation duties while adding defensive prowess to the lineup.
Isaiah Collier is an outstanding ball-handler who lives at the rim, using his strong frame to finish through contact and get to the free-throw line. His flair for changing speeds and passing off a live dribble has obvious appeal in this class with his scoring instincts. https://t.co/TK2AsvcmLF pic.twitter.com/91E7pIN8GR
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 10, 2024
Matas Buzelis, Forward, G League Ignite
This year’s draft is anticipated to lack the standout talent seen in previous years, with no clear-cut stars among the pool of players. However, one prospect who shows potential to rise to that level is Matas Buzelis from the now-defunct G League Ignite.
Buzelis possesses several appealing attributes. Standing tall at 6-foot-10 and weighing 208 pounds, he boasts both size and a versatile skill set. Capable of defending multiple positions and creating scoring opportunities off the dribble, Buzelis still requires some refinement in his game. His three-point shooting percentage of 22.2% and a higher number of turnovers than assists indicate areas for improvement. Nonetheless, he demonstrates promise, shooting efficiently from inside the arc and the free-throw line.
While Buzelis isn’t a guaranteed success, his potential upside makes him an intriguing prospect, especially for the Toronto team if they maintain their first-round pick.