This week on the The Doctor Is In, we are talking draft. We reveal the first installment of the internet’s first Raptors big board and break down each of the top five selections for the boys on Bay St., while wondering aloud what really are the most glaring holes of this Raptors roster.
[audio:http://raptorsrepublic.com/audio/2010-04-28-phdsteve.mp3]Download the podcast here.
The first version of the board is below, but you can check out and bookmark the dynamic Raptors 2010 NBA Draft Board which is updated frequently, follow us on Twitter to get updates.
Rank | Name | Position | Essentials | From | ||||||||||||||||||||
#1 | Ekpe Udoh | PF | 6-10, 240lbs, Age: 22 | Baylor (Junior) | ||||||||||||||||||||
If this team’s serious about improving their image while bringing in talent AND hustle, this is the way to go. He could crack the rotation right away, might not have the greatest upside but has what the Raptors need right now – ability to crash the boards and play defense. A safe pick. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
#2 | Hassan Whiteside | C | 6-11, 225lbs, Age: 20 | Marshall (Freshman) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Great upside and the reason he could be gone by #13, especially since big men rise. One of the best defenders, shot-blockers and lock-down defenders in the NCAA. Chad Ford compares him to Marcus Camby. If he went back for another year, he could be a top 5 pick in 2010. Not the greatest offensive player right now, but is a better offensive prospect than Thabeet. Very young, if the plan is to rebuild, take him. If he’s off the board at #13, it means someone like Greg Monroe is available. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
#3 | Eric Bledsoe | PG | 6-1, 190lbs, Age: 20 | Kentucky (Freshman) | ||||||||||||||||||||
The other PG from Kentucky; got sparse minutes backing up Wall but there is definitely talent here. Could come in as our #3 guard and if we trade one of Jose or Jack, could easily backup and grow as our #2. This is what we should’ve done last year by drafting Ty Lawson. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
#4 | Xavier Henry | SG | 6-7, 220lbs, Age: 19 | Kansas (Freshman) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Incredible shooter, not a driver/slasher/create off the dribble guy, but can score. Could be a very good NBA defender, one of the reason we don’t know how good he is, is because Kansas ran its offense through its senior players later in the season. The Raptors don’t need a SG, but if he’s available at #13, it’s hard to pass because of his age and potential. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
#5 | Gordon Hayward | SF | 6-8, 200lbs, Age: 20 | Butler (Sophomore) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Efficient NCAA player and good shooter, both should translate to the NBA level. Unless the real Turk shows up, SF is the Raptors greatest need. Hayward is the mini-Turk. He could be the guy that we hoped Turkoglu would be when we signed him. A crafty offensive player with improving vision. |