Each day up until the NBA Draft on Thursday, June 25, I will be taking control of an NBA franchise and selecting its next star (it seems in this classes case, its next seventh man).9. Toronto Raptors — Earl Clark, F, Louisville
The Raptors have experienced mainly the opposite end of the success spectrum when it comes to their draft history. Over the previous 10 drafts, Toronto has selected one lone player that's worn a Raptors jersey in an All-Star game (Chris Bosh). With selections like Michael Bradley (No. 17, 2001), Rafael Araujo (No. 8, 2004) and Joey Graham (No. 16, 2005), Toronto hasn't exactly givien hope to its feeble amount of fans.
The Raptors have to plan for the impending departure of Bosh in the hyped free-agent summer of 2010 that possibly involves LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.
I'm taking Clark here because his versatility seems to clone that of Bosh. The 6-foot-10 Clark can bang down low, as well as show off an above-average outside game. Clark averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds a game as a junior for the Cardinals.
The Raptors could fill plenty of holes with the ninth pick. Toronto lacks on the wing and the interior with both Anthony Parker and Shawn Marion listed as unrestricted free-agents this summer. General manager Bryan Colangelo always shows a soft spot for versatile forwards.
Clark will never be a go-to option, but his bag of tools could make him a solid starter in the league. Think of a poor man's Lamar Odom (if there is such a thing).
Next up: the New York Knicks at the No. 8 spot (June 18).
1 comment:
I like him and he'd be a good fit for the Raptors. I think they could use a more perimeter threat as you accurately call him a Lamar Odom-esque player but there really is no one there at that pick unless they want to really reach.
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