Toronto Raptors: 3 options for the 29th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft

Isaiah Stewart is another big for the Toronto Raptors to consider, but he caters more towards the center position, as opposed to power forward. 

As much as the Toronto Raptors will miss Marc Gasol, there’s no doubt they’ll miss Serge Ibaka even more. Finding a rim-protection big should be among the priorities for the team this offseason. Isaiah Stewart out of Washington University could provide just that, at 29th overall.

He’s just 19 years old, but also 6-9 and 250 pounds. Stewart’s physique is bound to cause problems for even NBA-level defenders within the post. He averaged 17 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks for a Huskies team that finished their 2019-2020 campaign at 15-17 overall.

But the team’s overall play shouldn’t be a direct reflection of Stewart’s talent. Most publications draw NBA comparisons to LA Clippers’ big Montrezl Harrell, who just won Sixth Man of the Year. At 29th overall, that would be a positive value to say the least.

Similar to Harrell, Stewart has got the physique and motor that won’t necessarily dominate but should serve its purpose, as soon as within his first few games in the NBA. His body is ready for the league, a rare quality among any talent that’s picked in the first round.

On the other hand, Stewart’s game isn’t that of the progressive big man. He rarely shoots threes, and when he does, makes even them at an even lower frequency. But as Toronto moves forward into next season, getting back to the basics of the game isn’t the worst idea.

Isaiah Stewart projects as a low-end starter, or at worst a quality bench player. At 29th overall, he’d make a good fit on this Raptors roster that’s expecting numerous openings in the frontcourt.

The upcoming draft is quickly approaching, and as the Toronto Raptors continue to think about their present, they must also prioritize their future. Any of the three aforementioned prospects would make for good fits with their first-round pick.