NBA Draft 2014: Toronto Raptors narrowing down wish list

May 4, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey talks to his team during a break in the action against the Brooklyn Nets in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Brooklyn defeated Toronto 104-103. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

With the No. 20, 37 and 59 picks in the 2014 NBA draft, the Toronto Raptors will have a lot to work with as they select from one of the deepest classes in recent memory on June 26.

After working out over 60 prospects, including nine Canadians, management is now ready to put the finishing touches on their draft wish list as they narrow down their top choices for each of their picks, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca:

GM Masai Ujiri still hasn’t given any indication as to who he’ll be selecting with his first round pick. This will be his first NBA draft with the Raptors as the team didn’t own a pick in 2013.

As Lewenberg notes, “For most of the last week, Masai Ujiri and his scouting staff have been mulling over 10 targets they anticipate will be available with the 20th overall pick, their first of three selections, hoping to narrow that list down to five by Tuesday.”

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For the first time in 12 years, the Raptors are in possession of a pick outside of the top-19 in the first round. A 48-34 record during the regular season and the second Atlantic Division title in franchise history vaulted the team up the standings and out of contention for a lottery pick.

Dan Tolzman, Toronto’s director of scouting, believes there is value to be had late in the draft.

“So I think the idea is if you can find guys at 20 or 37 or wherever that have careers,” said Tolzman, “that are eight-year players and they’re role players on your team and they’re doing good things to help you win, that’s a successful draft pick. You might get lucky and hit a guy that’s going to be a big time contributor and he’s pushing for all-stars and that kind of thing, but that’s not really what you’re looking for when you’re outside of the top-five or the top-10.”

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