2008 Draft
2008 Draft first round – 17 (TRADE)
Who They Chose: 7′ 2″ center Roy Hibbert, who was immediately packaged in a major trade with the Indiana Pacers along with T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, and Maseo Baston for Jermaine O’Neal and Nathan Jawai. The pick of Hibbert was a very good pick, albeit for the Indiana Pacers benefit.
Mock Draft Consensus: DeAndre Jordan
Best Pick Available: DeAndre Jordan
Overall Grade: Excellent. The trade aspect of this selection is already graded in part 1 of the 3 part series. But the value of finding a needle in a haystack at 17 is no less than an excellent choice. The other available center DeAndre Jordan, has enjoyed a career similar to Hibbert. Unfortunately, the Pacers received the benefit of this pick.
2009 Draft
2009 Draft first round – 9
Who They Chose: DeMar DeRozan – Shooting guard DeMar DeRozan was originally projected to the Minnesota Timberwolves at six, but fell into the Raptors lap at nine. He was one of six prospects who invaded the NBA and later appeared as an NBA All-Star with such names as: Jrue Holiday, Blake Griffin, James Harden, Stephen Curry, and Jeff Teague. DeRozan was thrust into the rotation his rookie season, where he scored 8.6 points per game on 21.6 minutes. His second season showed marked improvement, where he improved to 17.2 PPG on 34.8 minutes per game. He has remained a solid starter and contributor for the Raptors.
Mock Draft Consensus: Small Forward Raymar Morgan
Best Pick Available: DeMar DeRozan
Overall Grade: Excellent. The young man from the University of Southern California has carved out an impressive career for the Toronto Raptors, and continues to help them to compete in post season play even to this day.
Next: 2010 Draft