The Toronto Raptors faced unfortunate luck as a four-way tiebreaker in the NBA’s draft order led to them receiving the No. 19 pick from the Indiana Pacers.
This outcome was the least favorable for the Raptors, as announced by the league. The tiebreaker, which involved the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Orlando Magic, was one of six ties resolved by the NBA for non-lottery teams on Monday.
Indiana could have potentially secured the No. 16 pick, but it was ultimately awarded to Philadelphia. Los Angeles and Orlando will make selections at No. 17 and 18, respectively, while Toronto finds itself at the bottom of this group.
For Toronto, the upcoming draft lottery holds significant importance, with a 45.8% chance of retaining their own first-round pick if they land within the top six.
However, if their pick falls outside the top six, it will be conveyed to the San Antonio Spurs as part of the compensation for the Jakob Poeltl trade made at last year’s deadline.
In addition to their first-round pick, the Raptors hold the No. 31 selection to kick off the second round of the NBA Draft on Day 2. Originally belonging to the Detroit Pistons, this pick was acquired from the New York Knicks in the OG Anunoby trade.
Various mock drafts have projected players like Tristan da Silva from Colorado, Johnny Furphy from Kansas, Ja’Kobe Walter from Oregon, and Kel’el Ware from Indiana to potentially go at No. 19.
In previous years, notable players such as Brandin Podziemski were drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the No. 19 pick. Other standouts from the No. 19 spot since 1999 include Tobias Harris and Kevin Huerter.
