Raptors 2018 Draft: Who Did Toronto Pick?

Hey Raptors fans! Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the 2018 NBA Draft for the Toronto Raptors. Draft night is always full of excitement and anticipation, as teams look to add young talent to their rosters. The Raptors, fresh off another playoff appearance, aimed to find players who could contribute to their system and help them take that next step. So, who did the Raptors select in the 2018 draft, and how have those picks panned out? Let's dive in and break it all down, looking at each pick, the expectations surrounding them at the time, and their contributions to the team and the league.

The Raptors entered the 2018 draft with the 29th overall pick in the first round. This positioning meant they were looking for a player who could potentially develop into a valuable role player or a hidden gem. They needed someone who could fit their team culture and contribute in specific areas, whether it be shooting, defense, or playmaking. The draft is always a bit of a gamble, as projecting the future success of young players is far from an exact science. However, the Raptors' scouting department had a strong track record, and fans were eager to see who they would add to the squad. Remember, this was the era where the Raptors were consistently a top team in the East, so adding the right piece could really make a difference. Let's explore the specifics of their actual pick and see the impact that player had on the organization and beyond.

The Raptors' First-Round Pick: Dewan Hernandez

The Raptors selected Dewan Hernandez with the 59th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft (this was acquired in a trade). Originally, in the 2018 draft, the Raptors selected Jacob Evans with the 28th pick and traded him to Golden State. This shows that draft night can be unpredictable, with teams making deals to move up or down the draft board to get the players they want. While the Raptors didn't keep their initial pick, the later acquisition of Dewan Hernandez shows their continued effort to find talent throughout the draft process. It's worth remembering that finding impactful players late in the draft is a testament to a team's scouting and development programs. These late-round picks are often projects, players with raw potential who need time and coaching to refine their skills and adjust to the NBA game.

Dewan Hernandez, also known as Dewan Huell during his college career, was a 6'11" center from the University of Miami. During his time with the Hurricanes, Hernandez showcased his athletic abilities and rebounding prowess. He was known for his high motor, energy on the court, and potential as a rim protector. While he wasn't considered a polished offensive player, his athleticism and defensive upside made him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a big man with potential. The Raptors, with their strong development program, likely saw Hernandez as a player they could mold into a valuable contributor off the bench. However, his time with the Raptors was relatively short-lived, and he didn't get a ton of opportunities to showcase his skills at the NBA level.

Evaluating the Pick

So, how do we evaluate the Raptors' selection of Dewan Hernandez in hindsight? Well, it's important to consider the context. Hernandez was a late second-round pick, meaning expectations shouldn't be sky-high. Finding a rotation player at that stage of the draft is considered a win. While Hernandez didn't become a long-term fixture in the Raptors' lineup, that doesn't necessarily mean the pick was a failure. Draft picks, especially those later in the draft, are always a bit of a gamble, and player development isn't always linear. There are countless factors that can influence a player's career trajectory, including injuries, coaching changes, and overall team fit.

Hernandez played sparingly for the Raptors, appearing in a limited number of games. He showcased flashes of his athleticism and rebounding ability, but he struggled to find consistent playing time in a crowded frontcourt. The Raptors, at the time, had a well-established core of players, making it difficult for young players like Hernandez to crack the rotation. Ultimately, Hernandez's tenure with the Raptors was short, and he eventually moved on to other opportunities in the NBA and overseas. While he didn't become a star, he gained valuable experience and continued to work on his game.

In assessing the pick, it's crucial to remember the Raptors' overall success during that period. They were a championship-caliber team with a clear direction and a strong organizational culture. While Hernandez didn't play a significant role in their championship run, the Raptors' success wasn't solely dependent on any single draft pick. Their ability to develop players, make strategic trades, and cultivate a winning environment were all key factors in their success. Therefore, while the Hernandez pick may not have been a home run, it shouldn't overshadow the Raptors' overall success during that era.

Other Notable 2018 Draft Picks

To provide some context, let's take a look at some of the other notable players selected in the 2018 NBA Draft. This will give us a better understanding of the talent that was available and how the Raptors' pick compares to other selections. The 2018 draft was considered to be relatively deep, with several players emerging as stars or key contributors for their respective teams. Some of the top picks in the draft included:

• Luka Dončić: Selected third overall by the Atlanta Hawks and then traded to the Dallas Mavericks, Dončić has become one of the league's biggest stars. His scoring, playmaking, and overall impact on the game are undeniable. He has led the Mavericks to playoff contention and has already established himself as an MVP candidate.
• Trae Young: Selected fifth overall by the Dallas Mavericks and then traded to the Atlanta Hawks, Young is another dynamic point guard who has become a star in the league. His scoring ability, deep-range shooting, and playmaking skills have made him a headache for opposing defenses. He has led the Hawks to the playoffs and has established himself as one of the league's most exciting young players.
• Deandre Ayton: Selected first overall by the Phoenix Suns, Ayton has become a solid center who provides scoring, rebounding, and rim protection. While he hasn't reached the superstar level that some expected, he has been a valuable contributor for the Suns.
• Jaren Jackson Jr.: Selected fourth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, Jackson Jr. is a versatile forward who can score, shoot, and defend. He has developed into a key player for the Grizzlies and has shown flashes of stardom.

These are just a few of the notable players selected in the 2018 draft. The success of these players highlights the importance of scouting and player development. While the Raptors' pick of Dewan Hernandez may not have reached the same heights as some of these other selections, it's important to remember that every draft pick is a gamble, and player development isn't always predictable.

What happened to Jacob Evans?

As mentioned earlier, the Raptors initially selected Jacob Evans with the 28th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft but traded him to the Golden State Warriors. Evans was a 6'4" guard from the University of Cincinnati, known for his defensive ability and shooting potential. The Warriors likely saw him as a player who could contribute to their system as a versatile defender and perimeter shooter.

Evans's NBA career has been somewhat journeyman-like. He spent time with the Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and other organizations. While he showed flashes of potential, he struggled to find consistent playing time and establish himself as a long-term rotation player. His defensive ability was his calling card, but he needed to improve his offensive consistency to stick in the league.

The trade of Evans highlights the complexities of draft night. Teams often make deals based on specific needs, perceived value, and long-term plans. While the Raptors didn't keep Evans, the trade allowed them to acquire other assets or move in a different direction. Ultimately, the success of a draft pick isn't solely determined by whether the player stays with the team that drafted him. It's about finding players who can contribute to the organization's overall goals, whether it's through on-court performance, trade value, or other means.

Final Thoughts

Looking back at the Raptors' 2018 draft picks, it's clear that the team's strategy was to find players who could contribute to their system and potentially develop into valuable role players. While neither Jacob Evans nor Dewan Hernandez became stars, the Raptors' overall success during that era shouldn't be overlooked. Their ability to develop players, make strategic trades, and cultivate a winning environment were all key factors in their championship run.

The NBA Draft is always a fascinating event, full of hope and potential. While not every pick pans out as expected, the draft provides teams with an opportunity to add young talent and build for the future. The Raptors' 2018 draft picks may not be remembered as groundbreaking selections, but they were part of a larger picture of success and growth for the organization. So, while we might not be talking about these picks as all-time greats, they represent a small piece of the Raptors' journey to becoming a championship team. And hey, that's something to be proud of, right?