Size and a depth guard priorities for Raptors

The Toronto Raptors are prioritizing size and depth as they navigate a significant rebuild, with the upcoming NBA draft set to play a crucial role. General manager Bobby Webster and head coach Darko Rajakovic have emphasized a youth movement, and the team holds valuable picks in both the first and second rounds.

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The Raptors intend to take the best available players with the 19th and 50th overall picks, but that doesn’t mean Toronto isn’t looking for particular attributes.

Assistant general manager Dan Tolzman stated that while the Raptors aim to select the best available players with the 19th and 50th overall picks, specific needs are clear. The team lacks a true center, with seven-foot Jakob Poeltl being their only player over six-foot-nine last season. Poeltl, who is also the second oldest player on the roster, missed 36 games due to injury and had his minutes limited in the playoffs against the Cavaliers' dominant bigs, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. This situation could worsen if backup center Sandro Mamukelashvili opts out of his contract, potentially seeking more than his $2.8 million salary.

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Seven-foot centre Jakob Poeltl was the only player on the Raptors last season over six-foot-nine and, at 31, was also the second oldest player behind 40-year-old Garrett Temple.

Several draft prospects could address the size issue, including power forwards Allen Graves and Chris Cenac Jr., and centers Henri Veesaar and Ugonna Onyenso. The team also seeks more depth at point guard. Immanuel Quickley is expected to return as the starter, but his playoff absence highlighted the need for reliable backups. Guards like Christian Anderson, Bennett Stirtz, and Labaron Philon Jr. are potential first-round options, while Tre Donaldson, Milos Uzan, and Noam Yaacov could be considered in the second round.

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Poeltl missed 36 games last season due to injury, averaging 10.7 points, seven rebounds and two assists over that stretch.

The Raptors' strategy reflects a clear vision for the future, aiming to build a more physically imposing and balanced team capable of competing in the long term. The draft represents a key opportunity to acquire talent that fits these specific needs.

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Immanuel Quickley is a lock to return as Toronto’s starting point guard next season, but the 27-year-old missed most of the Raptors playoff run and his absence was keenly felt.