Exit Survey: 3 goals for the steadily-improving Toronto Raptors

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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 28: OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors leaves the court in the fourth quarter in Game Six of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Philadelphia 76ers Scotiabank Arena on April 28, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

3 goals for the steadily-improving Toronto Raptors: 1. Nail late draft picks again

If the Raptors have done one thing extremely well in recent years, it is nail some of their later draft picks. They took Malachi Flynn 29th in 2020, OG Anunoby 23rd in 2017, and Pascal Siakam 27th in 2016. They don’t have a first-round pick in this year’s draft, although it would not be a surprise if they somehow traded into the first round.

However, they do have the 33rd pick (via the Detroit Pistons), and that sits at a spot right around where they’ve had some real success at selecting players in the past. Ironically, if you look at this list, they’ve actually done a better job of drafting later in the draft than they have in the first round in the last decade (except Scottie Barnes at four last year).

It is easy to forget, but Anunoby was thought of as just as good a prospect as Siakam at one point. He got injured during their title run, and with COVID coming along less than a year after that, it has felt like his Raptors career has gone through a series of fits.

But if they could get another player like Anunoby or Siakam, that would be hugely beneficial. The Raptors seem to love big wing types who can defend and have a bit of shot creativity. It would be no surprise to see the Raptors go for somebody like this with their selection in the second round.

Fred VanVleet is their All-Star, and Siakam flirts with All-Star selection most years, so adding another young player to fill out their rotation would suit them well. Although, selecting a guard could be wise, considering how successful Barnes was in his rookie year.

Regardless, they need to focus on nailing their pick at 33 and attacking the undrafted free agent market when Summer League rolls around. Toronto has done well at this in past years, and it will be just as important this offseason.

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