The Toronto Raptors' recent playoff exit, a 114-102 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 3, 2026, closes another chapter. Their form over the last five games was 3 wins and 2 losses. This quiet period before training camp is a good time to look back at the draft decisions that built the roster. Over the last two decades, the Raptors have had notable successes and some disappointments with their first-round selections.
The clear hits start with Andrea Bargnani, the franchise's only No. 1 overall pick in 2006. He played seven seasons in Toronto. DeMar DeRozan, picked in 2009, holds the team record for games played and was a four-time All-Star here. Jonas Valanciunas anchored the center position for seven years after being selected in 2011.
Terrence Ross, the 2012 pick, was a key rotation player on the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals team. The 2016 draft brought two foundational pieces. Siakam won Most Improved Player during the 2019 championship run and became an All-Star.
OG Anunoby, the 2017 pick, was a defensive cornerstone for the title team. Scottie Barnes, the 2021 fourth overall pick, has developed into a franchise centerpiece in just five seasons. These players form the core of the Raptors' most successful era.
Several draft hits were directly involved in the 2019 NBA championship, though sometimes through trades. The deal sending DeRozan to San Antonio for Kawhi Leonard was the big one. Trading Valanciunas for Marc Gasol during the 2018-19 season solidified the defense. Ross was earlier traded to Orlando for Serge Ibaka.
Poeltl was part of the Leonard trade package but returned to Toronto in 2023. He has since reclaimed the starting center job and signed a long-term deal. Siakam and Anunoby were homegrown talents who grew into starring roles during the playoff push. Their development from draft picks to key contributors was essential.
The source argues Bargnani could be seen as a miss given his draft position. He never became the superstar expected from a top pick. However, his seven-year tenure and second contract make his career more successful than many NBA players. The Raptors did not have a first-round pick in 2007 or 2008.
Other selections simply did not pan out as hoped for various reasons. The team's drafting in the late 2010s and early 2020s has been stronger, building around Barnes. Evaluating a pick often depends on the player's eventual role, whether they stay with the team or become valuable trade assets.
The team's recent playoff series against Cleveland was a tight battle. After a 115-105 loss on April 20, 2026, they won three straight: 126-104 on April 24, 93-89 on April 26, and 112-110 on May 1. They then dropped games on April 29 (125-120) and May 3 (114-102). This 3W-2L stretch shows a competitive but inconsistent group.
Building through the draft remains the primary path for Toronto. Hits like Barnes provide hope for the future. Misses remind us that player development is unpredictable. The front office's ability to identify talent, both for the roster and as trade capital, will define the next era. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
The legacy of past drafts is visible every night. The championship banner hangs partly because of picks like Siakam and Anunoby. The current core, led by Barnes, aims to add more. As training camp approaches, the focus shifts to developing the next wave of talent and turning draft potential into on-court wins.
