2024 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Hawks court chaos, Spurs speed up rebuild, Lakers surprise
By Cal Durrett
19) Toronto Raptors- Zack Edey
Despite being the sixth-worst team in the NBA, the Toronto Raptors will be picking 19th after losing their selection to the Spurs thanks to the Jakob Poeltl trade. Fortunately for them, they have the 19th pick and could use that to beef up their front line. Adding Purdue star Zack Edey would certainly accomplish that. Edey put up monster numbers this past season, averaging 25 points by feasting in the paint, in addition to 12 rebounds per game.
That being said, there is a reason why the Naismith College Player of the Year is projected to go in the second half of the first round. At 7'4, Edey may not be able to defend away from the rim the way a smaller, big man can, giving opposing teams a place to attack.
Having Edey forced to defend in the pick and roll, particularly against a guard who can shoot off the dribble or a big man who can pick and pop, would be a problem for him. On the other hand, players like him have survived in the NBA on the defensive end by dropping back and using their size to deter drives and their length to contest pull-up mid-range jumpers. If he can survive on defense, then his size and skill would be an asset on offense.