The Toronto Raptors will not keep their 2024 1st round pick as their obligations to the San Antonio Spurs as part of the Jakob Poeltl trade are practically complete. The Spurs walk away from the 2024 draft lottery with the 4th and 8th pick, while the Raptors will have to settle for the 19th and 31st picks. The Raptors had a tough season, trading away key players mid-way through and finishing on a 2-19 stretch, vying for a better draft position only to lose their pick.
Despite the bleak outlook, there are still some positives for the Raptors in this draft lottery result. They have the opportunity to build around their core of young players with the 19th and 31st picks in what is considered to be a more open draft class. The Raptors also no longer owe anyone any 1st round picks, giving them the freedom to make decisions on their own terms in the future. They can choose to be competitive next season or decide to tank if needed.
The inability to use a high lottery pick as an asset is a downside for the Raptors, as teams like the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks have the opportunity to make significant improvements with their picks. However, the Raptors gain added flexibility for the 2024 off-season without the cap hit of a lottery pick. They can now operate with a good chunk of cap space and have the opportunity to make a big splash in free agency or through trades.
With renewed pick flexibility and pick value, the Raptors can now make use of their 1st round picks without worrying about restrictions. While losing a year of potential talent in the draft is disappointing, the value of their pick in the 2025 draft could potentially be more meaningful. The Jakob Poeltl trade initially seemed questionable, but now that it is over, the Raptors can move forward and focus on building a stronger team.
Ultimately, the Raptors have made their path forward more challenging, but not impossible. They have the opportunity to make the most out of their current core of players and aim for success in the future. They must make the right decisions moving forward to ensure that they can bounce back from the setbacks they have faced. It will be a tough road ahead, but with determination and strategic planning, the Raptors can overcome the obstacles in their way.
