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2016 NBA Draft: 3 Players Raptors Should Target at No. 9

By Brandon Carney

March 8, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Domantas Sabonis (11) celebrates against the Saint Mary's Gaels during the first half in the finals of the women's West Coast Conference tournament at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 8, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Domantas Sabonis (11) celebrates against the Saint Mary's Gaels during the first half in the finals of the women's West Coast Conference tournament at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Which players should the Toronto Raptors target with the ninth overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft?

Phoenix Suns
March 8, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Domantas Sabonis (11) celebrates against the Saint Mary’s Gaels during the first half in the finals of the men’s West Coast Conference tournament at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The Toronto Raptors find themselves in the intriguing position of having a lottery pick after having made the Eastern Conference Finals this season. Toronto is a good, fairly young team who deserved every bit of success they achieved in 2015-16.

The problem for them now is the huge turnover their roster could be experiencing once the offseason officially begins.

Bismack Biyombo turned in one of the most unexpected playoff performances in history as he averaged 8.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while starting center Jonas Valanciunas was on the shelf with an ankle injury.

He recently declined his player option for 2016-17 and could be in line for a bigger contract that he may or may not deserve, unless he gives Toronto a hometown discount.

Related Story: NBA Draft: Best Player Ever Selected in all 60 Spots

DeMar DeRozan could follow suit as he is expected to decline his player option and pursue a more lucrative deal, be it the max or otherwise.

While DeRozan could still return to the Raptors, he will at least command more money which would tie up Toronto even more when it comes to free agents, making the draft that much more important.

So with the possible departures of Biyombo and/or DeRozan, the Raptors may need to look to the draft for some new impact players. Here are three players who could fit that bill.

Next: Domantas Sabonis

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