2012 NBA Draft Grade: Raptors Select Terrence Ross

Toronto Raptors
Pick 8 Terrence Ross

Jack Winter – Saving the Skyhook

Terrence Ross is a very good prospect, but this is a reach by Toronto. Jeremy Lamb is a superior prospect at the same position, so this pick doesn’t make much sense. Ross has deep, deep range on his jumper and is an explosive athlete, but he can’t create his own shot the way Lamb can, a trait the Raptors sorely lack. Strange.

Grade: C

Bryan Rosa – A Royal Pain

A reach no doubt, Ross was a player Toronto could’ve and should’ve traded down for. That’s not to say Ross can’t play, but, he’s too high of a selection at #8. Now, Ross could certainly be worth his weight at #8 a few years down the road, so you can’t fault Toronto for taking the risk but I have to believe they could’ve moved down and acquired additional assets before drafting Ross a few picks down.

Grade: C-

Quixem Ramirez- Air Alamo

Ross is an explosive athlete albeit one without a good shot selection. He fills a need at the small forward position for Toronto which is nice but it feels like a reach to get someone that could;ve be found at around the 12-16 range. (Houston has a couple of picks there, you know.)

Grade: C+

Bryan Wendland-Roberto Gato

If the Raptors wanted Ross they probably could’ve trade down and still got him. They like to shoot the ball above the border, and some people think Ross could turn into the best shooting guard of the draft. For the Raptors sake, they better hope he does, because there were plenty better players available at No. eight.

Grade: C