Raptors 2018 Draft: A Retrospective Look

Oct 31, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 41 views

The 2018 NBA Draft was a pivotal moment for many teams, and the Toronto Raptors were no exception. Draft night always brings a mix of excitement, hope, and uncertainty, as teams gamble on young talent to shape their future. For the Raptors, the 2018 draft was about adding pieces to an already promising core, aiming to elevate themselves from perennial playoff contenders to legitimate championship threats. Let's dive deep into what the Raptors did in the 2018 draft, analyzing their selections, the context surrounding those decisions, and how those picks ultimately panned out for the franchise. The Raptors entered the 2018 draft with a clear goal: to find players who could contribute to their winning culture and address specific needs within the team. With established stars like Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry leading the way, the focus was on complementary pieces rather than high-risk, high-reward prospects. This meant targeting players with strong fundamentals, defensive upside, and the ability to seamlessly integrate into the Raptors' existing system. The front office, led by Masai Ujiri, had a reputation for identifying talent and making shrewd moves, so expectations were high. As we look back, it’s essential to consider the Raptors' mindset at the time and the specific roles they were looking to fill. Did they succeed in their mission? Let's explore each pick and see how they fared. The draft is often a game of risk and reward, where teams weigh potential against immediate impact. The Raptors' approach in 2018 reflected their championship aspirations, prioritizing players who could contribute sooner rather than later. This strategy was a calculated bet, and the results would speak for themselves in the seasons to come. The Raptors' 2018 draft strategy aimed to find players who could immediately contribute to their winning culture and address specific team needs, complementing established stars like Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry. This approach prioritized players with strong fundamentals, defensive upside, and seamless integration into the Raptors' system, reflecting the front office's reputation for identifying talent and making shrewd moves.

Raptors' Draft Selections

The Toronto Raptors had the 29th overall pick in the first round and a few picks in the later rounds. Their selections included:

Round 1, Pick 29: Jacob Evans (Traded to Golden State Warriors)
Round 2, Pick 59: Dewan Hernandez

Round 1, Pick 29: Jacob Evans (Traded to Golden State Warriors)

The Raptors initially selected Jacob Evans with the 29th overall pick, but he was promptly traded to the Golden State Warriors. This move was part of a larger strategy that involved financial flexibility and future considerations. Evans, a guard from Cincinnati, was known for his defensive versatility and ability to contribute on both ends of the court. However, the Raptors saw an opportunity to gain more value by trading the pick rather than keeping Evans on their roster. The decision to trade Evans was influenced by several factors. Firstly, the Raptors were already deep at the guard position, with established players like Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, and Delon Wright. Adding another guard, even one with Evans' potential, would have created a logjam and potentially hindered the development of existing players. Secondly, the Raptors were looking to create cap space and maintain flexibility for future moves. Trading Evans allowed them to shed salary and position themselves for potential trades or free-agent signings down the line. This was a crucial consideration for a team that was aiming to compete for a championship. The trade itself involved sending Evans to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for cash considerations and a future second-round pick. While the return may seem minimal, it was a strategic move that aligned with the Raptors' long-term goals. The cash considerations provided immediate financial relief, while the future second-round pick offered a potential asset for future trades or draft selections. Looking back, the decision to trade Jacob Evans was a calculated risk that ultimately paid off for the Raptors. While Evans went on to have a relatively unremarkable NBA career, the Raptors used the financial flexibility gained from the trade to make other impactful moves, including acquiring key players who contributed to their championship run in 2019. This highlights the importance of strategic decision-making in the NBA draft, where sometimes the best move is the one you don't make. The Raptors traded Jacob Evans to the Golden State Warriors to gain financial flexibility and a future second-round pick, aligning with their long-term goals. This move allowed them to shed salary and position themselves for potential trades or free-agent signings, ultimately contributing to their championship run in 2019. The decision highlights the importance of strategic decision-making in the NBA draft, where sometimes the best move is the one you don't make.

Round 2, Pick 59: Dewan Hernandez

With their second-round pick, the Raptors selected Dewan Hernandez, a center from the University of Miami. Hernandez was a raw prospect with intriguing potential, known for his athleticism and rebounding ability. However, he was also considered a long-term project who needed significant development before he could contribute at the NBA level. The selection of Hernandez was a bit of a gamble, as he had declared for the NBA draft after his sophomore year, despite not being a highly touted prospect. The Raptors saw something in Hernandez that they believed they could develop, particularly his physical tools and potential as a rim protector. At the time, the Raptors were looking to add depth to their frontcourt, and Hernandez offered a unique combination of size and athleticism. However, he was also facing eligibility issues with the NCAA, which cast a shadow over his draft stock. The Raptors were willing to take a chance on Hernandez, hoping that he could overcome these challenges and realize his potential. Hernandez's time with the Raptors was limited, as he spent most of his tenure with their G League affiliate, the Raptors 905. He showed flashes of potential in the G League, but he struggled to translate his game to the NBA level. He appeared in just a handful of games for the Raptors, averaging limited minutes and production. Ultimately, Hernandez was unable to carve out a significant role for himself in the NBA. He was eventually waived by the Raptors and bounced around different teams and leagues, never quite reaching the potential that many had hoped for. Looking back, the selection of Dewan Hernandez was a swing and a miss for the Raptors. While he possessed intriguing physical tools, he was unable to develop the necessary skills and consistency to become a valuable contributor at the NBA level. This highlights the challenges of drafting in the second round, where teams often take risks on players with high upside but uncertain futures. Despite not panning out for the Raptors, Hernandez's selection was a reminder of the team's willingness to take chances on players with potential, even if those chances don't always pay off. The Raptors selected Dewan Hernandez, a raw prospect with athleticism and rebounding ability, with their second-round pick. Despite his potential, Hernandez struggled to translate his game to the NBA level and was eventually waived by the Raptors. His selection highlights the challenges of drafting in the second round, where teams often take risks on players with high upside but uncertain futures.

How the 2018 Draft Shaped the Raptors

While the Raptors' 2018 draft may not be remembered as a blockbuster, it played a subtle but significant role in shaping the team's future. The decision to trade Jacob Evans freed up financial flexibility that allowed the Raptors to make other impactful moves, while the selection of Dewan Hernandez, though ultimately unsuccessful, reflected the team's willingness to take risks on potential. The most significant impact of the 2018 draft was the financial flexibility gained from trading Evans. This flexibility allowed the Raptors to pursue other opportunities, including trades and free-agent signings, that ultimately contributed to their championship run in 2019. For example, the Raptors were able to acquire key players like Marc Gasol, who played a crucial role in their championship victory. These moves would not have been possible without the financial flexibility created by the Evans trade. In addition to the financial implications, the 2018 draft also reflected the Raptors' organizational philosophy of player development. The team was willing to take chances on players with potential, even if those players were not ready to contribute immediately. This approach paid off in other drafts, where the Raptors were able to identify and develop players like Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet, who became key contributors to their championship team. While Dewan Hernandez did not pan out for the Raptors, his selection was a reminder of the team's commitment to player development and their willingness to invest in potential. This commitment was a key factor in their long-term success. Looking back, the Raptors' 2018 draft was a microcosm of their overall approach to team building. They were willing to make calculated risks, prioritize financial flexibility, and invest in player development. These strategies ultimately paid off, as the Raptors were able to build a championship-caliber team that competed at the highest level. The 2018 draft may not be remembered as a transformative moment in Raptors history, but it was a significant step in their journey to becoming NBA champions. The Raptors' 2018 draft, though not a blockbuster, subtly shaped the team's future by providing financial flexibility through the Jacob Evans trade and reflecting their commitment to player development with the Dewan Hernandez selection. This approach, characterized by calculated risks, financial prioritization, and investment in potential, ultimately contributed to their championship run in 2019, highlighting the significance of even seemingly minor draft decisions.

Final Thoughts

The 2018 NBA Draft was a mixed bag for the Toronto Raptors. Trading Jacob Evans provided financial flexibility that proved beneficial in the long run, while Dewan Hernandez didn't quite live up to expectations. However, each decision contributed to the Raptors' larger strategy of building a championship-caliber team. In the grand scheme of things, the Raptors' 2018 draft serves as a reminder that success in the NBA is not solely determined by high draft picks or blockbuster trades. It's about making smart decisions, prioritizing team needs, and developing players who can contribute to a winning culture. The Raptors excelled in all of these areas, and their 2018 draft was a reflection of their overall approach. Looking back, it's clear that the Raptors' front office had a clear vision for the team and a well-defined strategy for achieving their goals. They were willing to take risks, make tough decisions, and prioritize long-term success over short-term gains. This approach ultimately paid off, as the Raptors were able to build a team that was not only competitive but also capable of winning a championship. The 2018 draft was just one piece of the puzzle, but it was an important piece nonetheless. It demonstrated the Raptors' commitment to excellence and their willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. As we reflect on the Raptors' 2018 draft, it's important to remember that every decision, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on a team's future. The Raptors understood this, and they approached the draft with a clear sense of purpose and a well-defined strategy. Their success is a testament to their vision, their commitment, and their ability to make smart decisions under pressure. So, while the 2018 draft may not be remembered as a defining moment in Raptors history, it was a significant step in their journey to becoming NBA champions. The Raptors' 2018 NBA Draft, though a mixed bag with the Evans trade and Hernandez selection, exemplifies the team's strategic approach to building a championship-caliber team. Success in the NBA hinges on smart decisions, prioritizing team needs, and developing players within a winning culture, all of which were reflected in the Raptors' draft strategy and contributed to their ultimate goal of winning a championship.