The Toronto Raptors are well on their way to getting a high draft pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Quite a few intriguing prospects are coming into the league when it’s all said and done, and the Raptors could get one of them.
At the moment, the Raptors have sported the NBA’s fifth-worst record. If that’s where they finish when the season is done, here’s who they are predicted to end up with.
Toronto Raptors Predicted To Draft Dylan Harper With No. 5 Pick
PFSN’s Kyle Soppe explained why the Raptors will take Harper with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
“Toronto might not be far away from being in position to win a playoff series, and a player like Dylan Harper can help them move into that conversation right away. There might be some skill duplication here with other wings on this roster, but with how the game is played today, the next team that complains about having too many athletic multi-level scorers will be the first.”
Harper, who’s the son of five-time NBA Champion Ron Harper, has been a phenom with Rutgers. In 19 games, he’s averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. He is also shooting 48.7% and 34.4% from 3. He is a wing that has the whole package to become something special in the NBA.
Harper gives the Raptors another ball-handler with size. A few years ago, the Raptors tried to create a “positionless” roster with multiple big players who could handle the ball. Harper would fit that vision, and if he proves he has an NBA-caliber jumper, that could be the key to vaulting the Raptors to another level.
The Raptors have made plenty of perplexing moves over the past few seasons, trading for win-now players like Jakob Poeltl and most recently and notably, Brandon Ingram. That hasn’t helped them get out of the lottery, but it’s not like having veterans and lottery talent is a problem.
Perhaps the Raptors’ strategy is to have their cake and eat it. Maybe they want more win-now help while they try to accumulate more young talent. Scottie Barnes is the centerpiece of the team right now, and Harper could make their youth movement all the more promising.
When the Raptors get a full season of Harper and Ingram, that could turn the franchise’s fortunes around drastically. Even if they don’t see results right away, Harper could be another step toward a glorious future for the Raptors.
