Raptors rumor: What does Toronto use the No. 9 sign to "cove"?

The Raptors were not lucky in the NBA draft draw, but they could still add a key member to the team with the No. 9 draw. The Toronto Raptors performed poorly last season, but the team still didn't seize the opportunity. Despite a record of 30 wins and 52 losses last season, the Raptors are now staring at the No. 9 pick in the NBA Draft. The Raptors can make a lot of choices with this pick, although they will miss two superstars in the same class, Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper. Even second-tier stars like VJ Edgecom and Trey Johnson may be hard to reach.

Nevertheless, the Raptors still have a choice at the No. 9 position. They still need a center, and Duke's big man Kaman Maluach is the top choice big man in the draft. The chances of Maluarch slipping to the 9th are slim, but the Raptors can also consolidate the frontcourt at other positions if the 7-foot-2-inch (about 2.1-meter) freshman is selected.

"Duke's center Kaman Maluach is widely regarded as the leader of this year's center," Fischer wrote. "Source said Toronto is one of the teams that attaches great importance to the 7-foot-2-inch (about 2.1 meters) big man who has represented South Sudan in the 2024 Summer Olympics."

"However, the Raptors have impressed each team, and they are eager to have multiple centers at the No. 9 position... This means that if Maluarch was selected in the Toronto draft, the Raptors may consider other big players."

Maluarch's skills make each team attractive to him. He has been participating in regular basketball games since he was 14 and has made great progress. He has the shooting feel that he was rarely asked to use at Duke, but he is an excellent offense and defense player with excellent all-in threats and excellent blocking skills, and a flexible switch on the defensive end.

Even if Maruac leaves, the Raptors can consider some other attractive center rookies with the No. 9 pick. The first place on this roster is Georgetown center Thomas Sauber, who is smaller and plays at the basket but has incredible potential and a game feel at his age. The Raptors can also consider using this sign to choose a defender, but if they want to move in this direction, there are still many options in the frontcourt.