Close Article Return to stream X
NBA •

2015 NBA Draft: 5 Best Fits For the Toronto Raptors

+Read full article
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

2015 NBA Draft: 5 Best Fits For the Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Raptors had an embarrassing playoff performance, getting swept by the Washington Wizards. Injuries were a factor, but it is also clear that changes need to be made to this roster. Toronto will have the 20th pick in the first round of the NBA draft. Here are five players that would be good fits for them in the first round.

5. Cliff Alexander, PF, Kansas

Cliff Alexander Kansas
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

5. Cliff Alexander, PF, Kansas

Cliff Alexander Kansas
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Cliff Alexander's freshman year didn't exactly go as planned as he missed the final eight games due to a suspension. Even before that, he struggled with injuries and was never able to show off why he was one of the nation's top recruits. Toronto would be buying low on him in hopes that he figures everything out.

4. Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville

Montrezl Harrell Louisville
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

4. Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville

Montrezl Harrell Louisville
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

The Raptors have struggled to get consistent production from the power forward spot. Montrezl Harrell has an NBA-ready game and would bring some toughness to Toronto's frontline. Harrell spent three years at Louisville and improved each season. He doesn't have the highest ceiling but is a pretty safe pick.

3. Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky

Trey Lyles Kentucky
Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

3. Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky

Trey Lyles Kentucky
Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

It's hard to determine where Trey Lyles will go in the draft at this point since only played 23 minutes per game at Kentucky. His size and athleticism make him a very intriguing prospect. Lyles would typically have one or two plays a game that showed everyone what he is capable of. He should be able to develop an outside shot, which would make him a valuable stretch forward.

2. Christian Wood, PF, UNLV

Christian Wood UNLV
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

2. Christian Wood, PF, UNLV

Christian Wood UNLV
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Christian Wood is a prospect that could rise up draft boards as the pre-draft process goes on. He fits the mold of the new long and lean power forward that can stretch the floor. Wood had a disappointing freshman season at UNLV before erupting for nearly 16 PPG and 10 RPG as a sophomore. He would add a different dimension to the Raptors' offense, which became stagnant at the end the year.

1. Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin

Sam Dekker Wisconsin
Getty Images

1. Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin

Sam Dekker Wisconsin
Getty Images

Terrence Ross didn't exactly take off like the Raptors were hoping. There's still a chance he will figure it out, but Toronto would love to add a player like Sam Dekker. His performance in the NCAA tournament opened a lot of eyes, and he would fit nicely alongside Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. Toronto could also use his outside shooting which has been an issue for them with their current roster.

Keith Alrick is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
Your Favorites
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

Watch Bulls Get Whistled For 5-Second Call Because Of Drake

The Toronto Raptors were down by three points with 25 seconds remaining and the Chicago Bulls were taking the ball out of bounds. It happened to be right in front of Drake who is the Raptors' biggest fan. Drake proceeded to talk trash into Justin Holiday's ear while he tried to get the ball in-bounds, and it distracted Holiday enough to get a crucial five-second call against the Bulls. This is my favorite Drake moment of all time.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

LeBron James Tosses Up Air Ball With Game On The Line

LeBron James is oftentimes criticized for not being anywhere near as clutch as some of the NBA's all-time great players. He certainly didn't do anything to dispel that notion against the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, as he threw up an incredibly feeble air ball with time running out. James also inexplicably left two seconds on the clock which he could have used to get a better look at the basket. It was simply a massive fail.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

Kyle Lowry Nails Game-Winning Jumper On Cavaliers

Kyle Lowry has been a beast all season for the Toronto Raptors. He's one of the most underrated in the players in the NBA due to playing north of the border, but Lowry proved his worth with everyone watching on Friday night. He dropped 43 points and nine assists on the Cleveland Cavaliers, and also nailed this game-winning jumper. With about two seconds remaining on Cleveland's final possession, LeBron James tossed up an air ball, and the Raptors cemented a 99-97 win to draw within two games of the Cavaliers at 39-18.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

Raptors' Valanciunas Goes Primal After And-One

Jonas Valanciunas executed an excellent post move against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, and got a little excited when he finished for an and-one opportunity. Valanciunas surely screamed something fierce, but it was one of Toronto's announcers who truly stole the show.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

NBA Releases Mix Of Vintage Vince Carter Dunks With Raptors

NBA TV is scheduled to interview Vince Carter on Monday night. With his retirement looming, basketball aficionados have seen a ton of highlight footage from Carter's career released of late. However, this epic video mix of Carter dunking in his prime with the Toronto Raptors takes the cake. Carter is a legend -- end of story.

Comment 0 Comments