The Toronto Raptors are preparing for Thursday night’s draft with careful consideration. As they hold the 13th overall pick, the team is open to various options, including the possibility of moving up in the draft. Assistant General Manager and VP of Player Personnel, Dan Tolzman, stated that the team wants to be well-informed about all potential picks in case an opportunity arises that is too good to pass up. They are also exploring the option of moving back in the draft.
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Tolzman acknowledges that moving up in the draft would not indicate a major shift in direction for the team. The Raptors’ focus is on finding players who can make a long-term impact on the team, regardless of where they are selected. He emphasized that the team will carefully consider any potential moves and the assets involved.
The Raptors are facing the potential loss of key starters Fred VanVleet and Jakob Poeltl in free agency. However, Tolzman said that their draft strategy will not be influenced by the team’s post-free agency roster. Instead, they will prioritize selecting the best players available without being swayed by current circumstances.
Toronto is coming off a 41-41 season and missed the playoffs. They recently hired Darko Rajakovic as their new head coach. The draft class is considered deep, and the Raptors feel comfortable with their position at the 13th pick.
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Tolzman describes this year’s draft class as “quite deep” and believes there are talented players available throughout. He mentioned that the team has received offers for picks in various spots in the draft. The Raptors are content with their current position and believe they can find valuable players in the draft.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 20, 2023.
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