With only the slimmest of hope, the Toronto Raptors entered the NBA draft lottery looking to improve upon their thirteenth selection in 36 days from now.
But as expected, none of the late lottery hopefuls changed position and that is how the draft lottery should work most times.
So the Raptors are stuck with a middle of the pack first round selection. And like most middle of the pack selections, the Raptors can expect to obtain a project. A player who may turn out to be a decent starter at some point in the future but will likely take anywhere from 2-5 years to develop.
By the time the thirteenth pick becomes available, all of the draft board prospects have glaring holes in their game. And every internet mock draft board has wide discrepancies in their preferred selections. As a GM, you really do not know what you are getting.
If a team is relying on building through the draft, using mid to late first round picks will create a long, slow, and uncertain process.
One only has to look at the Raptors past middle of the pack first round picks for guidance. Prospects like Joey Graham or Morris Peterson. Even DeMar DeRozan illustrates the patience required from picks who look like they might pan out after their first NBA season.
Hopefully the Raptors selection in this draft proves more NBA ready than expected and makes an immediate contribution, but it would be foolish to count on it.
If the Toronto Raptors goal is to get back to the playoffs in 2010-11, it will not be based upon this year’s draft pick. The way back is through free agent signings and trades. And hopefully either resigning Chris Bosh or getting talent back via sign and trade that can contribute immediately.
Sitting through another season of missed opportunities and no post season games is not something any Raptors season seat holder is looking forward to.
And the declining renewal rate for Raptors season tickets proves it.
Let some other team rebuild for 3-5 years through the draft.
Just say “No to rebuilding!”
We really need to move up if we want to improve the talent we need more NBA ready players. Anything less then 6th or 7th pick is up in the air.
You should start a facebook page for people to join in order to send a clear message. I would join instantly.