The Toronto Raptors are gearing up for a crucial 2026 NBA Draft, a key moment in their push to become a top-tier team in the Eastern Conference. After a strong 46-win 2025–26 season, the franchise now holds two draft selections that could help shape their next competitive leap.
With the draft set for June 23–24 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, all attention is turning to how Toronto will use its assets — or whether the front office will explore trade opportunities.
Raptors 2026 NBA Draft Picks
The Raptors enter the draft with two selections:
- Round 1: Pick No. 19
- Round 2: Pick No. 50
At this stage, Toronto controls both picks outright, though there remains speculation that the front office could explore trade options involving one or both selections depending on how the board falls on draft night.
Key Draft Needs for Toronto Raptors
Toronto’s roster direction makes this draft particularly important, with two clear areas of concern emerging:
Frontcourt depth remains a priority
The biggest need is size and interior depth. Veteran centre Jakob Poeltl remains the team’s primary option at the five, but his production dipped last season compared to previous years.
With Sandro Mamukelashvili expected to depart in free agency, the Raptors are left with limited reliable depth in the frontcourt rotation.
Adding a young big man who can develop into a long-term contributor is viewed as a priority heading into the draft.
Shooting consistency from deep
Another major weakness is perimeter scoring. Toronto ranked 21st in the NBA in three-point percentage last season at 35.4%, highlighting a need for more reliable shooting.
Improving spacing and outside scoring will be a key focus for the draft and offseason strategy.
Potential Raptors Draft Targets at No. 19
Toronto is expected to adopt a “best player available” strategy, but several prospects have already been linked to the franchise.
Shooting options
One name generating attention is Bennett Stirtz, a guard known for his perimeter scoring ability and floor spacing — an area the Raptors desperately need to improve.
Frontcourt options
If Toronto prioritizes size, Michigan center Aday Mara is considered a strong fit. His stock has been rising in recent mock drafts, making him a potential late-lottery-to-mid-first-round target.
Pre-Draft Workouts and Rising Rumours
The Raptors have already begun evaluating prospects through private workouts and interviews, hosting a wide range of potential selections.
Players who have reportedly worked out for Toronto include: Meleek Thomas, Bennett Stirtz, Zuby Ejiofor, Keyshawn Hall, Izaiyah Nelson, Peter Suder, Tyler Bilodeau, Michael Ajayi, and Bruce Thornton.
These evaluations suggest Toronto is keeping its options open across multiple positions, rather than locking into a single draft direction.
What Happens Next for the Raptors?
With the draft approaching quickly, the Raptors face a familiar but important question: do they develop young talent, or use their picks to accelerate a push back toward Eastern Conference contention?
Given their current roster structure, both options remain on the table.
The 2026 NBA Draft could ultimately play a defining role in how quickly Toronto returns to true playoff contention — or whether a longer retooling phase is required.
