The Toronto Raptors will speak only once, in the second round, at the next NBA Draft on Thursday in Brooklyn. They know that their chances of finding a rare pearl are slim, but they believe they can because of their past successes.
About 20 of the 60 players who will be drafted will become real NBA players […] Where we will talk, it is said that 3 out of 10 players will reach the NBA.
Team general manager Bobby Webster was decidedly realistic on Tuesday as he met with reporters at the OVO training complex to discuss his team’s preparations.
The Raptors don’t have a first-round pick as they traded him and Goran Dragić to the San Antonio Spurs at the trade deadline. So they only hold the 33e choice of the 2022 auction, at the start of the second round.
The Toronto organization, however, has had a lucky hand in recent years. Pascal Siakam (27)e2016), OG Anunoby (23e2017) and Malachi Flynn (29e2020) have all been called into these waters, Webster pointed out.
We have always operated in this space of the repechage. Last year was probably the year that deviated from the average because we spoke in the top 5he said.
There will be (future NBA players) to talk about. It’s obviously our job to find them.
The Raptors received about 72 players in Toronto ahead of the draft. They say their list includes 20 to 25 names. Some will be available at 33e rank, but some could also be put under contract if they do not find takers during the repechage, as Fred VanVleet did in 2016, for example.
Torontonians will set their sights on the player they perceive like the best available, Webster said. They are however looking for a player versatile, who excels in defense and if he can make his throws, so much the better!said the DG.
In general, with the free agent market, we have seen the player and we have an idea of what he is. With exchanges, we do work upstream, but we also know them. The repechage is the great unknown. That’s why people spend so much time on it. If you can get a really good player in the second round who becomes a star player, the value of that pick becomes practically immeasurable.he pointed out.
The Raptors general manager also dismissed rumors surrounding OG Anunoby, a core member of the team who is unhappy with his use in Toronto.
We have always had good communication with OG. He’s even in Toronto right nowhe first said.
It doesn’t make much sense for us to comment on the trade rumors. If we were to talk about all the players we’ve received calls about or mentioned in conversations, it would take us hours. I don’t think it’s worth mentioninghe added.
Source: Radio-Canada
