23. Toronto Raptors: Jonathan Jeanne, Nancy
Ultimate Upside Comparison: Rudy Gobert
Safe Upside Comparison: Lucas Nogueira
Position: Center
Age: 19 (7/3/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’2″, 207 pounds, 7’6.5″
2016-17 Slash Line: .437/.231/.483
2016-17 Season Averages: 10.4 MPG, 3.0 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.2 ORPG, 0.6 BPG
The Toronto Raptors have a complete team that simply can’t get over the hump of defeating LeBron James. As a number of key players near free agency, however, the Raptors’ best bet would be to draft a player with a high ceiling.
Conveniently, the player drafted here is both intriguing from an upside perspective and fitting of what the Raptors need for the roster.
Jonathan Jeanne will draw an inevitable comparison to Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert. Some may dispute the legitimacy of such a comparison, but there aren’t many players who have the physical profile of Jeanne or Gobert.
At 7’2″ with a near 7’7″ wingspan, it would be hard not to compare Jeanne and Gobert as shot-blocking forces who can make their mark by simply extending their arms.
Another comparison is 2016-17 backup center Lucas Nogueira, who has similar value to Toronto. The advantage that Jeanne holds, however, is that he’s already begun to flash range on his jump shot and an ability to score off of screens.
It will take Jeanne longer than most to bulk up and fill out his 7’2″ frame, but he has upside that could give the New York Knicks and the rest of the NBA fits.