NBA Draft Grades 2016: Sixers, Nuggets Finally Get It Right

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
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Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Jakob Poeltl (Utah) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number nine overall pick to the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Jakob Poeltl (Utah) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number nine overall pick to the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors

Draft Picks: Jakob Poeltl No. 9, Pascal Siakam No. 27

The runners-up in the Eastern Conference received a gift in a top 10 pick, and landed quick footed, natural big man Jakob Poeltl out of Utah.

Compared to fellow Ute Andrew Bogut, Poeltl is consistent, good around the basket and finishes well. Poeltl is a safe pick, who can back up Jonas Valanciunas immediately and ease the blow of departing Bismack Biyombo. Siakam is a bit unknown, but appears to have all-around skills and the desire to work and improve.

Moving forward, the Raptors’ focus now shifts to DeMar DeRozan‘s free agency decision – which also ties into whether or not Toronto should offer him the max.

Grade: B

Next: Utah Jazz