2024 NBA Mock Draft: Spurs prioritize two-way talents, Magic land surprise steal
By Reese Kunz
Pick No. 19: Toronto Raptors (via Pacers) select Kel’el Ware
The Toronto Raptors' trade with the New York Knicks of OG Anunoby for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley suggests they are retooling, not rebuilding, around Scottie Barnes. If that's the case, one area that they need to address is their center position. The Raptors confusingly traded a first-round pick for Jakob Poeltl. That draft pick is now this year's No. 8 overall selection. That's significant draft capital for an average center who averaged 11.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game this season.
Despite this trade, Toronto could still use an upgrade at their center position. At the very least, they could benefit from more frontcourt depth, as Poeltl and Kell Olynyk are their only notable big men. Olynyk is a great backup center, but he is also 33 years old and doesn't fit into their long-term plans.
Adding a versatile center in Kel'el Ware makes sense, as he has the floor to bolster their frontcourt depth and the upside to surpass Poeltl on the depth chart potentially. Someone like Zach Edey could be in the mix here if he's available, especially since the Raptors seem to value Canadian players highly.