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The Toronto Raptors took Delon Wright with the No. 20 pick in the NBA draft, a move that might be perceived as a bit of a reach.
Wright, 23, is ready to make an impact with the Raptors right now, which might signal that GM Masai Ujiri is looking to contend in the Eastern Conference again this season. This is good news for Raptors fans, as a lost season of rebuilding is never fun to watch. Wright has a nice off-the-dribble game, and I think his jumper is underrated. He’ll be able to patch things up in that area, and his physical profile is splendid.
However, Wright might not be a perfect roster fit for the Raptors. The team needed a power forward and/or a small forward, and Wright is a guard. Perhaps Ujiri intends to fill those needs in free agency or via trades, but Wright does seem to be a bit redundant with the current roster.
Moreover, there were plenty of great options on the table for the Raptors. All of my recommended picks, aside from Jerian Grant, were on the board: R.J. Hunter, Jarell Martin and Justin Anderson. Also on the board were Bobby Portis, Kevon Looney, Montrezl Harrell and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. I’m not a huge fan of any of those players, but it’s also worth noting that Portis was projected to fall in the late lottery.
Ultimately, this is a “wait-and-see” pick. Wright is not a guy Raptors analysts have delved into deeply; Ujiri clearly kept his hand concealed, as he always does. Wright is a talented player, and should have a solid career with the Raptors despite the imperfections in this selection.
Casey Sherman is the Toronto Raptors Beat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @shermham
