Toronto Raptors Eye Ryan Kalkbrenner as Potential Draft Steal
As the Toronto Raptors approach the second night of the 2025 NBA Draft, all eyes are on their 39th overall pick. The team aims to address key roster needs, and with a promising pool of talent still available, Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner emerges as a compelling option. Kalkbrenner’s potential selection could provide immediate value to a team looking to solidify its frontcourt.
Ryan Kalkbrenner: A Potential Second-Round Gem for Toronto
While Kalkbrenner, at 23 years old with five years of college experience, might seem like a less conventional choice compared to other available talents like Rasheer Fleming and Maxime Raynaud, his readiness for the NBA could be exactly what the Raptors need. The Raptors used their ninth overall pick on South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles, adding to their “Vision 6’9” experiment, despite Murray-Boyles being closer to 6-foot-7 according to reports.
Having already invested their first-round pick in a prospect with long-term potential, pivoting to a player who can contribute immediately makes strategic sense. Kalkbrenner could aid the Raptors’ quest to return to the playoffs sooner rather than later.
Did You Know? Ryan Kalkbrenner earned the 2025 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award, an honor previously held by current Raptors guard Jamal Shead and former Raptor Davion Mitchell.
Kalkbrenner’s Strengths and Fit with the Raptors
Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports has even drawn parallels between Kalkbrenner and the Raptors’ current center, Jakob Poeltl, highlighting the potential for a seamless fit. While some might argue that adding Kalkbrenner would create redundancy,he offers a dimension that Poeltl lacks: a willingness to shoot from three-point range.
Although his three-point shooting is still a work in progress, Kalkbrenner shot 34.4% on 1.7 attempts per game in his final college season. This willingness to stretch the floor provides a valuable offensive option.
Standing at 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan and weighing over 250 pounds, Kalkbrenner brings critically important size and defensive presence to the paint. His college experience has honed his skills as a passer,mirroring Poeltl’s abilities in that area.
Pro tip: The Raptors’ coaching staff could further refine Kalkbrenner’s outside shooting, potentially unlocking a new weapon in their offensive arsenal.
The Right Choice for Toronto?
while he may not be the flashiest pick, Kalkbrenner could be the right one for Toronto. However, his availability at pick 39 is not guaranteed, as other teams may recognize his value. Despite this uncertainty,Kalkbrenner remains a prime target for the Raptors.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 23 |
| Height | 7’1″ |
| Wingspan | 7’6″ |
| Weight | 250+ lbs |
| 3-Point Percentage (Last Season) | 34.4% |
| Accolades | 2025 Naismith Defensive player of the Year |
The Evolution of NBA Centers
The role of the center in the NBA has evolved considerably over the decades. Once primarily tasked with rebounding and scoring in the low post, modern centers are now expected to possess a more diverse skillset, including the ability to shoot from the perimeter, pass effectively, and defend multiple positions. This evolution has led teams to prioritize centers who can contribute in various ways, making players like ryan Kalkbrenner, with his defensive prowess and potential for offensive growth, increasingly valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions About NBA draft Prospects
What is the NBA Draft?
The NBA Draft is an annual event where NBA teams select eligible college, international, and developmental league players to join their rosters.
How is the draft order persistent?
The draft order for teams that did not make the playoffs is determined by a lottery system. Playoff teams are seeded in reverse order of their regular-season record.
What makes a player “NBA-ready”?
An “NBA-ready” player is generally considered to be someone who can contribute to a team’s success immediately, with a combination of skills, experience, and physical attributes that translate well to the professional level.
What is the importance of the second round in the NBA Draft?
The second round offers teams an opportunity to find undervalued talent and potential role players who may not have been selected in the first round.These players often provide depth and contribute to team success.
What qualities do you think are most significant for a center in today’s NBA? Do you believe Ryan Kalkbrenner would be a good fit for the Toronto Raptors?
