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Toronto Raptors: 2016 Offseason Grades

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 1, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) and guard DeMar DeRozan (10) look on during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Toronto beat Memphis 99-95. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) and guard DeMar DeRozan (10) look on during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Toronto beat Memphis 99-95. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Raptors
Mar 19, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; New Mexico State Aggies forward Pascal Siakam during practice before the 2015 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Pick No. 2

Remember that one time Ujiri selected Bruno Caboclo with the 20th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft? Taking Pascal Siakam out of New Mexico State University with the 27th pick in this year’s draft was pretty much the exact opposite of that.

Rather than taking a player who’s two years away from being two years away, Ujiri continued his trend of making safe picks for a franchise that’s trying to maintain and build upon its contender status in the here and now — even if the front office is also very high on his possible future in Toronto.

The Raptors had the opportunity to take players like Thon Maker, Cheick Diallo or Skal Labissiere with their two first-rounders, but instead they went with Siakam, a 6’10” power forward with a 7’3″ wingspan who averaged 20.3 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game in his final season at NMSU.

Those massive numbers didn’t quite get a chance to translate to NBA Summer League, with Siakam posting 12 points and two rebounds on 6-of-10 shooting in his lone appearance.

But as a solid shot-blocker at the 4 who is still putting his offensive game together, Siakam is a more NBA-ready addition despite possessing a lower ceiling than similar prospects like Diallo or Labissiere.

Grade: B-

Next: Re-Signing DeRozan

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