NBA Draft 2021 Open Thread: The Raptors pick Barnes, prepare for 2nd round

The Raptors are almost officially on the clock with their number four selection looming large in the 2021 NBA Draft. It’s exciting but also loaded with expectations. If the Raptors hit and hit big with their pick, it could be a transformative moment for the franchise, the key to unlocking the next generation of the team. If they don’t, well, these chances don’t come along that often — not for a team as successful as of late as the Raptors.

And then there’s also all the potential transactions to discuss. Will the Raptors make a move up or down in the draft? Could they be cooking up a deal for an All-Star like Ben Simmons? Do they now know what Kyle Lowry would like to do? The intrigue continues!

With that, let’s gear up to watch the big show that is the 2021 NBA Draft.

Where to Watch:

ABC and ESPN

Things to Know:

• Our Draft Day Primer
• On Jalen Green
• On Evan Mobley
• On Jalen Suggs
• On Jonathan Kuminga and Scottie Barnes
• On Second Round Wings
• On Second Round Centres

Let fly with the comments and let’s see what kind of transactions we get as we go. Could the Raptors be one of the big movers and shakers on draft day? Let’s watch.

10:30pm Update:

As we all know now, the Raptors shocked the world and went with Scottie Barnes in the 4-spot. Not much Toronto-related has happened since then — Barnes said he’s “ready to be great,” Nick Nurse compared him to OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam — and now we’re waiting for no. 46 and 47.

Carry on!