The Toronto Raptors enter this year’s NBA Draft with two selections, picks number 19 and 50. After looking at which prospects draft analysts have linked to Toronto in the first round, it would not be a good time to turn attention to the second round and the players who could be available when the Raptors are back on the clock.
In the past, Toronto has had a pretty decent track record of finding value late in the draft. Some of the bigger names tied to the Raps that have been selected in the second round in years prior include Norman Powell and PJ Tucker.
And of course, we all know they famously landed Fred VanVleet as an undrafted free agent. So with that being said the front office has an eye for this kind of stuff and pick No. 50 presents another opportunity to add a developmental prospect with upside.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, the Raptors could target Dillon Mitchell in the second round.
Mitchell is an intriguing prospect because of his combination of size, athleticism and defensive versatility. The 6-foot-8 forward plays with a relentless motor and has the tools to become the type of glue guy every team desires.His skill set has drawn comparisons to Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon.
At the collegiate level, Mitchell earned Big East All-Defensive Team honours while averaging 8.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He also shot an efficient 55.9 percent from the field.
Yahoo Sports draft analyst Kevin O’Connor projects the Raptors to select Tennessee big man Felix Okpara.
O’Connor described Okpara as a player who understands his role, protecting the rim, running the floor, finishing lobs and setting screens without trying to do too much offensively.
Okpara elevated his play during Tennessee’s NCAA Tournament run to the Elite Eight. In the Round of 32, he made several game-changing defensive plays, including four key blocks. He followed that up with a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double in the Sweet 16, showcasing flashes of his offensive potential.
His defensive impact throughout the season earned him a spot on the All-SEC Defensive Team.
The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie has Toronto selecting UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau.
Bilodeau would bring a skill set the Raptors could use immediately. The 6-foot-8 forward is a highly efficient scorer who averaged a career-high 17.6 points per game as a senior while shooting 51 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range. He also contributed 5.6 rebounds per game.
Even though UCLA had a disappointing end to their season, Bilodeau was clearly not the problem. He has earned back-to-back All-Big Ten Third Team selections along with multiple NABC All-District honours.
The biggest question surrounding his game is on the defensive end, but Toronto’s roster is built around versatile defenders who could help cover some of those shortcomings. Head coach Darko Rajakovic has also shown a willingness to develop young players, making Bilodeau an intriguing fit if he is still available.
The Raptors have made a habit of uncovering talent in the later stages of the draft. With the 50th pick, they will be hoping to find another hidden gem and add to that tradition in 2026.