Four Lessons Toronto Raptors Fans Learned this Offseason
Feb 27, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and center Andrew Bogut (12) celebrate against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. Golden State defeated Toronto 113-89. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
2. There is tons of value in the second round
For as much as we all like to make fun of teams like the 76ers, who stockpile second round picks and insist they’re more valuable than we think they are, they might actually have a point. Take a look at some of the players who got paid in a major way this offseason.
- Goran Dragic, 45th pick — five years, $90 million
- Draymond Green, 35th pick — five years, $85 million
- Danny Green, 46th pick — four years, $45 million
- DeAndre Jordan, 35th pick — four years, $87 million
- Khris Middleton, 39th pick — five years, $70 million
- Paul Millsap, 47th pick — three years, $59 million
- Wes Matthews, undrafted — four years, $70 million
For not only the Raptors, but every team in the league, take advantage of your second-round picks. It’s pretty much a calculated gamble with little-to-no downside. Since not many expect these players to crack the roster, what do you really have to lose?
Plus, when you do hit on a player like this, you’re in the driver’s seat financially and have team control over a very useful role player. Besides the potential risk/reward aspect, the Raptors can always stash these players in Mississauga on the Raptors905 roster.
Next: Superstars and RFAs are Near Untouchable