With the 2026 NBA Draft less than three weeks away, it makes sense that ‘mock draft’ becomes one of the most searched phrases among basketball enthusiasts. For Toronto Raptors supporters, this time of the year means becoming familiar with the array of players potentially available at pick 19.
In part one of a weekly mock draft round-up, a common thread binds the collection of prospects that media publications project to go to the Raptors. After a competitive seven-game series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, it became clear that the Raptors didn’t have the offensive firepower to support their suffocating defence. Even if Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley had been healthy enough to play, Toronto would still have lacked the consistent scoring needed for a meaningful run, particularly outside its core and off the bench.
It explains why the mock drafts below highlight players who could theoretically slot in as an offensive spark plug. However, the precarious reality of picking 19th means choosing from a crop of players with notable flaws in their game.
The ‘momentum-shifting microwave scorer with questionable defensive tools or measurements ” archetype is a popular option in the area of the draft. The Raptors can deploy defensive stalwarts like Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles to help offset liabilities, but will any of these potential options provide enough offence to sway General Manager Bobby Webster into making the call on draft night?
One specific Iowa prospect is a popular option among analysts:
Bennett Stirtz (PG, 6’4, 22-years-old, Iowa)
ESPN (Jeremy Woo) - May 19
Isaiah Evans (SG/SF, 6’7, 20-years-old, Duke)
Ebuka Okorie (PG, 6’2, 19-years-old, Stanford)
Labaron Philion (PG, 6’4, 20-years-old, Alabama)