NBA Draft Lottery

The NBA draft lottery happened last night and the Raptors didn't move anywhere. They had a 1.7% chance of getting the first overall pick, the same as the Chicago Bulls last year, but an 81.3% of getting the 9th pick, which exactly where they landed.

There was some movement at the top with the Los Angeles Clippers getting the first overall pick, the Memphis Grizzlies took the second pick and Oklahoma City Thunder got the third pick. Unfortunately, the worst team in the league last season, the Sacramento Kings, who were in line for the first overall pick and Oklahoma Sooners superstar Blake Griffin fell to number four.

So all of Toronto is wondering what the Raptors and the genius General Manager will do at the number nine pick. The current mock drafts and projections have the Raps taking anyone from PG Stephen Curry from Davidson to F Earl Clark from Louisville or PG Tyreke Evans from Memphis. Unfortunately for the Raptors the majority of lottery pick players are point guards/shooting guards and unless BC is going to shake Jose Calderon's confidence and give up on Roko Ukic, none of these players really make alot of sense.

The best move would probably be to trade down or completely out of the first round, save the cap space and pick up a veteran post presence or shooting guard to help off the bench.

Should the Raptors decide to pick at number 9 here are the most likely options;
James Johnson - F - Wake Forest: Part of a talented Wake Forest team that got bounced early from the NCAA tournament, so fans didn't get to see alot of him. Can create his own shot and would play a good energy role of the bench in his rookie season.

Tyreke Evans - SG - Memphis: Championship pedigree, played in a great system at Memphis and is a slasher, scorer with a lot of quickness. Would be a nice addition as he could drive and kick to the outside shooters or dish to CB4 down low.

Gerald Henderson - SG - Duke: Henderson is one of the few Dukies that could be a proficient pro player. Lots of talent, good shooter and a leader on the court. A great compliment player who wouldn't ruffle feathers in the locker room.