NBA Draft Rumors 2014: Toronto Raptors can’t pass on Adreian Payne
The Toronto Raptors had a fantastic 2013-2014 season. They finished 48-34, won the Atlanta Division and were within a final Kyle Lowry shot that was blocked by Paul Pierce of defeating the Brooklyn Nets in game 7 to advance to the second round of the playoffs.
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The Raptors obviously want to re-sign Kyle Lowry, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent, but first they will have to focus on the 2014 NBA Draft. The Raptors have been most often associated with former Michigan State Spartans’ power forward Adreian Payne.
Yannis Koutroupis believes the Raptors won’t be able to pass on Payne.
"Well, a lot of it depends on what happens with Lowry and Vasquez in free agency. They need to figure out their point guard situation first and foremost. I think they need some additional depth on the wing. I’d like to see them add another scoring threat. It’d be ideal if they could snatch up a Nik Stauskas or James Young, but I doubt they’re still on the board. Amir Johnson was great for them this season, but if the aforementioned wings are gone, I don’t think they can pass on Adreian Payne. He’s just too good. I don’t think Salmons and Hansborough are going to bring anywhere near that kind of return, unfortunately for the Raptors."
Payne measured in at 6’9.75″ and 239 pounds with a very impressive wingspan of 7’4″ at the NBA’s Scouting Combine. He averaged 16.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 50.3% from the field, 42.3% from beyond the arc and 79.0% from the free throw line for the Spartans last season.