Toronto Raptors: Masai Ujiri looking to make splash at 2018 NBA Draft
By Austin Owens
According to Marc Stein, the Toronto Raptors are eyeing a top-10 pick in this week’s NBA Draft, and they have a specific name in mind.
The 2018 summer will be a difficult one for Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster.
After a less than graceful exit from the NBA playoffs, the Raptors could have a completely different look come opening night of the 2018-19 season.
On Monday, Marc Stein of The New York Times reported on Twitter that the Raptors could be looking to make a move, ahead of Thursday’s NBA Draft:
Draft scuttle: Hearing Toronto is exploring all of its trade options in hopes of assembling a deal to acquire a draft pick high enough to select Kentucky's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 18, 2018
Stein also added that according to one league source, the Raptors have nobody that’s off-limits while they pursue a top-10 draft pick.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a point guard who is slotted to go within the first 15 picks of the draft. The Hamilton, Ont. product averaged 14.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists during the regular season with the University of Kentucky.
He stands at 6 foot 6 and weighs 180 pounds. His athleticism and near seven-foot wingspan make him a very intriguing prospect on the defensive end.
Here’s a scouting report from NBADraftRoom.com on Gilgeous-Alexander:
"Has all the physical tools you look for in an NBA guard, with good height, great length and nice agility. Shows good body control on his drives to the basket and has the length to finish in the lane or from mid range.An excellent defender who disrupts the passing lanes with his length and really gets after the ball-handler. Racks up a lot of steals and can be a real game changer on the defensive end. Can guard multiple positions.Has good intangibles, work effort and energetic play. Impacts all aspects of the game and brings a lot of leadership to the court.He isn’t a true point guard and can get too focused on scoring the ball. Needs to develop his lead guard instincts to maximize his potential.Doesn’t have the quickest release on his outside shot."
During the draft process, Gilgeous-Alexander has drawn loose comparisons to San Antonio guard Dejounte Murray, as well as Michael Carter-Williams, because of his physical traits.
Several mock drafts have Gilgeous-Alexander going just outside the top-10. A high draft pick will cost the Raps a key piece. Utah Jazz beat reporter Tony Jones chimed in after the news broke, to offer another nugget of news:
To piggyback on Marc, I've heard from several places Kyle Lowry is very available https://t.co/zknVAk6WlP
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) June 18, 2018
Kyle Lowry cost Toronto a pretty penny to keep in the city the last offseason. At 32-years-old, the veteran point could garner a big return if the Raptors so choose to trade the four-time All-Star.
If they can’t land a pick in the top-10, the Raptors could look to the Los Angeles Clippers to strike a deal.
The Clippers possess both the 12th and 13th overall picks in this draft and have made it no secret they would like to add another star to their roster.
Nothing will be revealed until draft night. One thing is for sure: Raps fans will want stay be tuned to see if the team acquires a pick to add more young talent to the lineup.
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If you were the Toronto Raptors, is it worth trading to get back into the top 10 and of so, at what cost? Let us know in the comments below.