The reigning NBA champion Raptors are riding high during 2019/20, boasting the second-strongest record (46-18) in the East. Team president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri will have a bevy of roster personnel choices to make during the 2020 offseason — one big one is whom to draft.
There are several intriguing switchable wing options that Toronto should consider with their first-round pick (currently projected to be No. 28) in the 2020 draft, per Blake Murphy of The Athletic. Arizona’s Josh Green, TCU’s Desmond Bane of TCU, Washington’s Jaden McDaniels, Colorado’s Tyler Bey, UCLA’s Chris Smith, and Barcelona forward Leandro Bolmaro are all viable candidates who may still be available when the Raptors are on the board.
There’s more from out of the Atlantic Division:
- With All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant officially declaring themselves done for the rest of the 2019/20 season, the Nets look to have at least one roster spot left to fill when play resumes in Orlando, per Alex Schiffer of The Athletic. Guards Justin Anderson, Henry Ellenson, Devin Cannady and veteran Iman Shumpert are among the leading prospects worth a look.
- The muted response of Knicks owner James Dolan‘s internal memo addressing the George Floyd protests sweeping the nation did little to help the franchise’s reputation amongst NBA players, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted on First Take on Wednesday (video link).
- As the Raptors prepare to defend their title in Orlando, Blake Murphy of The Athletic addresses questions related to the team’s rest-of-season roster and rotation depth, plus possible offseason additions.
Thinking Bane is the move if the Raps want to continue to contend vs. retool. Like Topping, upperclassmen that make make instant contributions. Can shoot the three, and plays good D. Add him to Davis, Powell, OG and Pattie McCaw and the Raps have a bevy of switchable wings who can play anywhere between the one and the four.
I think Toronto’s best bet would to pick up a young PG like Ashton Hagans (who I think will be the next Rajon Rondo) or Malachi Flynn. They could have Lowry to mentor him for a year and then either turn it over or if the young guy is not ready, re-sign Lowry or pick up another vet PG like Derrick Rose or Dennis Schroder to serve the same purpose.
They just don’t seem to have any young PG on the roster at all and that seems to be a much bigger need than a wing.
Green would be great if he falls that far down
Plenty of wings at bottom of 1st rd. Should be a PG too. At least a descent backup PG of future. Raptors would be wise to move Lowry.
Dolan is reminding me of Sterling. I don’t think he’s as bad. But definitely the privileged white guy. He’s always treated basketball like entertainment. Never building a franchise. He’s made more money than anyone. Yet has been bad for most of his ownership. He’s given away draft picks n future. Just for playoff appearances. Obviously doesn’t understand BBall. Worse I don’t think he likes it very much. I still worry he could blow this whole rebuild thing up. By going After wrong star (like CPtoold). Or give away all our picks for over the hill star. Like he did with Mello.
Shumpert seems like the only roster addition that would actually contribute. He could shore up their questionable defense