Well, this was a bit of a weird night. In a wide-open draft that few could peg down, we were treated to a couple of interesting trades, some big reaches, some long falls, and, somewhat strangely in the end, most of the top-60 players getting drafted, just in a weird order.
The Toronto Raptors were a part of that weird order with their second pick, after going with what many considered chalk (or close to it) with their first. What follows is a rapid-fire way to catch up on the evening.
Raptors select Jakob Poeltl with No. 9 pick
After failing to trade the pick for Serge Ibaka, the Raptors used it on Jakob Poeltl. Check out the news and analysis here.
Here’s Poeltl being selected on ESPN, and here are some relevant videos to get familiar with his game.
Dwane Casey and Delon Wright chatted about Poeltl, and Poeltl later had a conference call of his own.
Raptors select Pascal Siakam with No. 27 pick
The Raptors made a bit of a reach, as they do, using their second pick on Pascal Siakam. Check out the news and analysis here.
Here’s the pick being announced (Adam Silver nails the pronunciation, if you’re wondering now), and some relevant videos to get familiar with his game.
Reaction podcast
Zarar hosts and gets quick reactions from Tamberlyn, PhD Steve, and myself.
Top undrafted players
If the Raptors are looking to fortify their summer league or D-League squad with undrafted talent, the top names on my board (with ranking) to go unselected are: Gary Payton II (35, but signing with the Rockets), Dorian Finney-Smith (44, and I’d bet he lands with Toronto if he doesn’t get a guarantee elsewhere), Robert Carter (48, Golden State, and damn these guys are going fast), Jarrod Uthoff (54), Cat Barber (56, already linked to the Pelicans), Wayne Selden Jr. (59), and Fred VanVleet (60). I’d throw Kyle Wiltjer’s name out there as likely, too, but I’m kind of hoping he opts for Team Canada over summer league.
Wichita State point guard Fred VanVleet will play summer league with the Toronto Raptors, a source tells DX.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 24, 2016
