Raptors 2018 Draft: A Look Back

The 2018 NBA Draft was a pivotal moment for many teams, and the Toronto Raptors were no exception. Draft night is always filled with anticipation, speculation, and hope, as teams look to add promising young talent to their rosters. For the Raptors, the 2018 draft was about more than just adding players; it was about building on a foundation and solidifying their position as a contender in the Eastern Conference. Let's dive deep into what the Raptors did in the 2018 draft, who they picked, and how those selections have panned out over the years.

The Raptors' Strategy Heading into the 2018 Draft

Heading into the 2018 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors were in an interesting position. They had just finished a successful regular season, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a franchise-best record. However, they were swept by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs, highlighting the need for some changes. The Raptors' front office, led by Masai Ujiri, knew they needed to find players who could contribute to a winning culture and help the team overcome its playoff woes. Their strategy was multifaceted, focusing on identifying players with high potential, a strong work ethic, and the ability to fit into the team's system. They were looking for players who could not only score but also defend, rebound, and make smart decisions on the court.

The Raptors also needed to consider their long-term plans. With key players like Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan entering their later years, the team needed to find young talent who could eventually take the reins. This meant looking for players who could develop into stars or, at the very least, reliable contributors off the bench. The Raptors' scouting department had been working tirelessly, evaluating prospects from college, international leagues, and even the G League. They had compiled a comprehensive list of players who they believed could make an impact on the team. The Raptors were also open to trading their draft picks if the right opportunity presented itself. They were willing to move up in the draft if they identified a player they were particularly high on, or trade down if they felt they could acquire additional assets. This flexibility allowed them to be opportunistic and make the best possible decisions for the team's future. Ultimately, the Raptors' strategy was about finding players who could help them win now and build a sustainable foundation for long-term success. They were looking for players who embodied the team's culture of hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a clear plan in place, the Raptors entered the 2018 NBA Draft with confidence and a determination to make the most of their opportunities. The draft would prove to be a crucial step in their journey towards an NBA championship.

The Raptors' Draft Picks in 2018

In the 2018 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors had two picks: one in the first round and one in the second round. With their first-round pick, No. 29 overall, the Raptors selected Jacob Evans, a guard from the University of Cincinnati. However, Evans was later traded to the Golden State Warriors as part of the deal that brought Kawhi Leonard to Toronto. With their second-round pick, No. 59 overall, the Raptors selected Dewan Hernandez, a power forward from the University of Miami.

Jacob Evans (No. 29 Overall)

Jacob Evans was a highly regarded prospect coming out of Cincinnati. He was known for his versatility, athleticism, and defensive potential. During his college career, Evans showcased his ability to score from multiple positions, create plays for his teammates, and guard multiple positions on defense. The Raptors saw him as a player who could potentially develop into a valuable role player off the bench. However, Evans' time with the Raptors was short-lived. He was traded to the Golden State Warriors as part of the blockbuster deal that brought Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green to Toronto. While Evans never played a game for the Raptors, his inclusion in the trade was a necessary part of acquiring a superstar like Leonard. After being traded, Evans played for the Golden State Warriors and later the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, he struggled to find consistent playing time and never fully lived up to his potential. Injuries also hampered his development. Despite not panning out as a significant contributor in the NBA, Evans' brief connection to the Raptors will always be remembered as part of the trade that ultimately led to the team's first NBA championship. The Raptors were willing to part ways with a promising young player like Evans in order to acquire a proven superstar like Leonard, a move that proved to be a game-changer for the franchise. Evans' journey in the NBA serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the draft and the challenges that young players face in trying to establish themselves in the league. While he may not have achieved the success that many had hoped for, his name will forever be linked to one of the most significant moments in Raptors' history.

Dewan Hernandez (No. 59 Overall)

Dewan Hernandez, also known as Dewan Huell during his college career, was a project pick for the Raptors. He was a raw but athletic power forward with potential as a rebounder and rim protector. During his time at the University of Miami, Hernandez showed flashes of his potential but struggled with consistency. The Raptors' front office saw him as a player who could develop into a valuable role player with the right coaching and development. Hernandez spent most of his time with the Raptors' G League affiliate, the Raptors 905. He showed some improvement during his time in the G League, but he never fully developed into an NBA-caliber player. He appeared in a handful of games for the Raptors but failed to make a significant impact. Hernandez's time with the Raptors was short-lived, and he was eventually waived by the team. After being waived by the Raptors, Hernandez played in various leagues overseas. He continued to work on his game and refine his skills, but he never made a return to the NBA. Hernandez's journey is a testament to the challenges that late-round draft picks face in trying to make it in the NBA. While he may not have achieved the success he had hoped for, he gained valuable experience and learned valuable lessons during his time with the Raptors organization. His story serves as a reminder that not every draft pick will become a star, but every player has the opportunity to learn and grow from their experiences in the league. Hernandez was a long shot pick that didn't quite pan out for the team.

How the 2018 Draft Affected the Raptors' Future

While neither Evans nor Hernandez became long-term contributors for the Raptors, the 2018 draft still played a significant role in the team's future. The trade that sent Evans to the Warriors brought Kawhi Leonard to Toronto, a move that ultimately led to the Raptors' first NBA championship in 2019. Leonard's arrival transformed the Raptors from a good team into a championship contender. His exceptional talent, leadership, and playoff experience were exactly what the team needed to overcome its past failures. The Raptors went on an incredible playoff run, defeating the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, and finally the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.

The 2018 NBA Draft was more than just a night of selecting young players. It was a strategic move that involved trading a pick to acquire a superstar. The acquisition of Kawhi Leonard proved to be the missing piece of the puzzle for the Raptors. His impact on the team was immediate and undeniable, as he led them to their first-ever NBA title. The championship run not only brought joy to the city of Toronto but also validated the Raptors' long-term vision and commitment to excellence. The team's front office, coaching staff, and players had worked tirelessly to build a winning culture, and Leonard's arrival helped them reach the pinnacle of success. The Raptors' championship victory had a profound impact on the team's future. It solidified their position as a top team in the Eastern Conference and attracted more attention from players and fans alike. The team's success also inspired a new generation of basketball players in Canada, as young athletes aspired to follow in the footsteps of Leonard and the Raptors. The Raptors' journey to the championship was a testament to the power of teamwork, perseverance, and strategic decision-making. The 2018 NBA Draft will forever be remembered as a pivotal moment in the team's history, as it set the stage for their historic championship run.

Lessons Learned from the 2018 Draft

The 2018 NBA Draft provides several valuable lessons for NBA teams. First and foremost, it highlights the importance of being willing to take risks and make bold moves. The Raptors' decision to trade a promising young player like Jacob Evans in order to acquire a superstar like Kawhi Leonard was a gamble, but it ultimately paid off in a big way. Second, it demonstrates the importance of having a clear vision and a well-defined strategy. The Raptors' front office knew exactly what they were looking for in a player, and they were willing to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to present itself. Finally, it underscores the importance of player development. While Dewan Hernandez did not pan out as a significant contributor for the Raptors, the team's investment in his development shows their commitment to nurturing young talent and giving players the opportunity to improve.

In conclusion, the Raptors' 2018 draft was a mixed bag. While neither of their draft picks became long-term contributors, the trade that sent Jacob Evans to the Warriors brought Kawhi Leonard to Toronto, a move that ultimately led to the Raptors' first NBA championship. This highlights the unpredictable nature of the draft and the importance of being willing to take risks in order to acquire top talent. The draft will forever be remembered as a key chapter in the Raptors' journey to becoming NBA champions.