Mock Draft: Raptors Tabbed To Take 2 Freshmen in Latest Draft Projection

The Toronto Raptors are expected to take Khaman Maluach and Tahaad Pettiford in ESPN's latest NBA mock draft

Apr 4, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) during a practice session for the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

It just takes one more loss.

If the Toronto Raptors lose one of their final three games, they will secure the No. 7 spot in the NBA draft lottery. That position gives the team a 32% chance of landing a top-four pick and a 7.5% shot at Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick.

The exact outcome will be determined next month when the draft lottery is decided. In the meantime, ESPN has released its latest mock draft following the conclusion of March Madness. Here’s what it projects for the Raptors with both of their picks.

No. 7: Khaman Maluach (Duke)

Jakob Poeltl is still under contract through at least next season, but if the Raptors want to add a young big man to develop alongside their core, Khaman Maluach may be a prospect to watch at No. 7

The 7-foot-2, 250-pound freshman has elite size, a 7-foot-6 wingspan, and impressive mobility for his a center. His box score stats were not eye-popping this past year, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 21 minutes per game. However, his 71.2% field goal percentage shows just how efficient he is as a finisher around the hoop.

The concern with Maluach is how raw he still is.

He only began playing organized basketball at 13 and is still learning the feel and skill required at a high level. He failed to record a single rebound in 21 minutes during Duke’s Final Four loss to Houston and remains foul-prone as he works to improve his defensive discipline and positioning.

Still, the upside is clear. Maluach shot 76.6% from the free throw line this season and has shown flashes of potential as a floor-spacing big. His size makes him a natural rim protector, and with the right developmental system in place, he could grow into a valuable two-way presence with sky-high potential for Toronto.

No. 39: Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn)

The Raptors may have found their backup point guard of the future in Jamal Shead, but adding another young ball-handler with offensive upside still makes sense in the second round. The 19-year-old freshman out of Auburn, would bring a different profile to Toronto’s bench as a scoring guard with elite quickness and deep shooting range.

His season had its ups and downs, but he shot 36.6% from three and consistently showed explosive burst off the dribble. At 6-foot-1, he lacks ideal size and will likely be targeted on defense, but he plays with pace and confidence. He creates separation, attacks closeouts, and has shown some ability to finish through contact.

Pettiford will need to improve his decision-making and add strength to hold up defensively at the NBA level. Still, as a potential third point guard or Raptors 905 project, he is a smart swing in the second round. If he develops as hoped, Toronto could add another affordable and intriguing option behind Immanuel Quickley and Shead next season.