The Raptors’ Draft Calculus

When two passionate Raptors fans on international social media flagged Toronto’s surprise workout with Chinese big man Yang Hansen last week, my data analyst instincts tingled. Here’s why this seemingly minor development deserves your attention:

1. The Pick Mismatch Mystery Toronto holds the 9th selection - prime territory for prospects like Tidjane Salaun (ESPN #26) or Jared McCain (ESPN #16). Yet they’re evaluating a player projected mid-to-late first round? Either someone forgot to tell their scouting department about basic arithmetic, or…

2. The Trade-Down Telegraph My sources confirm the Raptors’ true center target is Donovan Clingan. But at #9? That’s like using a Ferrari to buy groceries. The smarter play: Trade down, accumulate assets, and snag Yang later. His 11-day workout window suggests Toronto might be positioning for exactly that.

3. The Yang Equation At 7’2” with guard skills, Yang offers something Toronto’s analytics team loves: Unicorn potential. Per Second Spectrum, his CBA passing metrics (4.2 AST/36) eclipse Evan Mobley’s college numbers. Defensive concerns? Valid. But as one Eastern Conference scout told me: “For every Porzingis that works out, there are ten Bol Bols.”

The Verdict: If Yang shines in workouts, watch for Toronto to:

• Package #9 for picks in the 15-25 range + future assets
• Use the acquired pick on Yang while keeping #31 as insurance
• Convince Canadians that “Yang Gang” rhymes with “North Side” somehow

Because in Masai Ujiri’s world, even lottery picks come with a Moneyball manual.