Draft Lottery Outlook
Toronto’s recent win over Brooklyn has secured a seventh-place spot in the NBA Draft lottery, virtually guaranteeing a pick between seventh and ninth. Although the team had hoped for a higher selection after a challenging season, the quality of this year’s draft class provides ample opportunity. The organization appears poised to bolster its future with high-upside prospects who could make an immediate impact or develop into key contributors down the road.
Jeremiah Fears
Despite the absence of an immediate need at point guard, Fears stands out as a dynamic player with a combination of speed and skill that could pay dividends in the long term. An Oklahoma freshman, he exhibits an explosive first step and a relentless drive to finish at the rim, frequently drawing fouls through his aggressive style of play. Fears is comfortable scoring from various distances, though his shooting efficiency—particularly from beyond the arc—and his sometimes hasty decision-making remain areas for improvement. His high usage rate in college underscores his potential and hints at a ceiling that could be honed with professional coaching, making him a prospect worth watching closely.
Tre Johnson
Johnson brings an advanced scoring toolkit and considerable size to the table, boasting the ability to create his own shot from multiple positions. Standing at 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, his fluid shooting mechanics and confidence allow him to excel both on the move and off the catch. In a team that has struggled with three-point shooting, Johnson’s proficiency from long range could provide an immediate boost to the offense. However, his game shows some limitations on the drive to the basket and in ball handling, and he has room to develop better playmaking and defensive consistency. Refined off-ball movement and increased discipline could elevate him into a prominent offensive weapon at the next level.
Collin Murray-Boyles
Murray-Boyles offers versatility and defensive acumen that could significantly enhance the team’s perimeter and interior defense. Equipped with a long wingspan and a solid frame at 6-foot-7, he excels at switching on defense, disrupting plays, and contributing energetic, high-impact efforts on that end. Though his offensive game is more suited to driving and finishing near the rim than shooting from a distance, his ability to create plays around the basket and operate effectively in transition underscores his potential as a role player. Continued development of his shooting, particularly from mid-range, could further increase his value as a two-way contributor when paired with an already growing defensive cast.
The blend of these prospects into Toronto’s future mix illustrates a clear strategy: focus on leveraging high-upside youth while addressing immediate team shortcomings. Each of these young players offers unique strengths that, with further refinement, could help reshape the team moving forward.
