Pistons Palace NBA mock draft post lottery
By Joe Dexter
20. Toronto Raptors
Adreian Payne, C Michigan State
Mar 30, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Adreian Payne (5) reacts after a shot during the second half against the Connecticut Huskies in the finals of the east regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
What a special season for the Toronto Raptors. After finishing third in the Eastern Conference, Toronto is looking for one more piece to push them further in the playoffs.
If there is anything this team lacked, it might of been depth up front. Michigan State center Adreian Payne can fix that issue right away.
After four years under Tom Izzo, Payne’s game really has developed into a unique package many teams lower in the first round will be excited about. Not only can he defend, rebound, and make you look foolish in the paint — Payne will hurt you with his outside jumper.
That was put on display in the NCAA tournament.
In the opening round against Delaware, he scored 41 points in 24 minutes, while going 17-17 from the charity stripe and only taking 15 shots. Delaware coach Monte Ross gave him some high praise.
“He was probably the best big man that I’ve faced in 21 years of college basketball,” said Delaware head coach Monte Ross. “I haven’t faced a guy like that. And because he has a myriad of skills where he can step away and make 3s, he’s a load down there on the block.”
Just the perfect weapon to team up with Jonas Valanciunas and Amir Johnson down low.