Die-hard fans have already started looking towards the future and where the top ranked college players could begin their careers and how teams can fill the biggest needs next summer.
Toronto is one franchise sitting in good shape with two picks in the first round and three selections overall in 2017. The Raptors come into this season with plenty of momentum as the team set a franchise record for wins last year and have become a force in the Eastern Conference, but despite the success of recent years, this team is still lacking quality depth in the front court and must address this problem to have any chance of winning a championship.
Several draft sites have released an updated mock heading into the second week of NBA action and most agree that Toronto will look for more depth at the forward positions.
Justin Jackson of North Carolina is a popular choice as the 6’8″ junior is expected to have a solid season with the Tar Heels and improve his draft status. The young man has good length and three years of starting experience for one of the best programs in the nation is never a negative. Jackson is a solid all-around player that does everything at an above average rate and would be a great addition to the front court for the Raptors.
Miles Bridges has yet to play for Michigan State, but the freshman is already gaining positive reviews. At 6’7″ and 230 pounds, the youngster already has the body type needed at the next level and learning the ropes with the Spartans is a good step in what could become a long and productive career.
This team would love to add a center, but this year’s class of talent is thin at the position and with two picks likely at the end of the opening round, the best available big men will be gone, but adding a three and four makes sense and these two young men are perfect examples of the type of players this franchise needs to keep moving forward.
