2019 NBA Draft: Top 3 players for Toronto Raptors to pick with 59th pick

With the 59th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors will be left with limited options. Here’s three players they could possibly target with the penultimate selection in the draft.

While the 2019 NBA Draft lottery revealed the fate for where many teams would be picking on the night of June 20, the Toronto Raptors already had their fate set in stone, as they own just one pick in this year’s draft, situated late in the second round.

As part of the blockbuster trade last July that sent two-time Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard and handy 3&D wing Danny Green to the Raptors, Masai Ujiri shipped out DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and their own 2019 first round pick. With this, the Spurs will be picking 29th, leaving the Raptors with the penultimate selection of the draft at No. 59.

There isn’t much to be said about the possibilities that come with a selection falling so late in the draft, considering that it’s difficult — and wholly unlikely — that any front office can find a diamond in the rough, especially considering how unspectacular this draft is in terms of upside and risk. Outside of Zion Williamson, who’s all but guaranteed to go first overall, there aren’t many projectable starters or role players that come without risk. This has led to rather wide draft ranges for a large group of prospects, with some potentially going anywhere from the late-twenties to the early-fifties.

Truly, things are up in the air after the first 15-20 selections or so.

But, it’s certainly possible that this could benefit the Raptors. If someone slips far enough, they could have the chance to pounce on a desirable player who could grow into a useful bench option. Regardless, the Raptors can’t be too picky with such a late draft pick: The best strategy is to just take the best player available, and it’s reasonable to expect such an acute front office to find someone that should’ve gone much higher than they did.

The Raptors will have both Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, two wings of incalculable value, as free agents this summer as they look to sign new long-term deals. Both players could bolt to different contenders, but with this selection, their fate shouldn’t really factor in too much. A player selected this late is unlikely to contribute much in Year One, outside of spot minutes if they prove themselves to be worthy of more than G-League minutes.

Here’s a look at three possible options for Toronto with the 59th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.