By Andrew Dubowec

On June 28, 2007 the Toronto Raptors will make history: they will not have a first or second round draft pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.

For Raptors fans though, there is still plenty of incentive to watch and follow this year’s draft. There is a lot that will happen that may involve the Raptors either directly or indirectly.

1. The Best Draft of All-time?

After the Lottery for the 2007 NBA Draft, Raptors fans breathed a huge sigh of relief. Neither Greg Oden nor Kevin Durant was coming to the Eastern Conference providing fans with another reason to believe their beloved Raptors will be yearly contenders. 

However beyond the obvious, this draft is full of potential stars and for any true NBA fan, you will want to familiarize yourself with a few of these names: Horford, Wright, Brewer, Conley, Jianlian, and Noah.

While there are plenty of star-calibre players in this draft, for Raptors fans, they will be more than interested to follow their Atlantic Division counterparts: the Boston Celtics (5th) and Philadelphia 76ers (12th). Both of these teams, especially the Celtics, are not far away from being competitive and the right pick(s) could go along way in helping them achieve that goal.

2. Kobe Eastern-bound?

It has been reported that Kobe Bryant met with Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss in Spain to once again express his desire to be traded. The hitch for Raptors fans: Bryant’s most likely destination lies in the Eastern Conference.

                             

After losing the Oden-Durant sweepstakes, Danny Ainge is reportedly looking outside the draft to quickly bring respectability back to the city of Boston. Chicago’s General Manager John Paxson, after failing to pull the trigger on a deadline deal to acquire Pau Gasol, may also look to add Kobe to ensure his team contends for an NBA championship next season.

With Boston, Chicago, and even Washington being potential destinations for Kobe, Raptors fans will want to follow this draft closely to see if he will be on the next east-bound flight out of LAX.

3. The Raptors have a Draft Pick?

Bryan Colangelo recently stated that it was unlikely the Raptors would acquire a first-round pick in this year’s draft. While Bryan is a man of his word, it should come as no surprise to Raptors fans if they introduce a new pick on June 29th.

Despite Bryan's denials that the Raps cannot find a trading partner to acquire a pick, don't be surprised to see Colangelo right in the middle of all the draft day wheeling and dealing. And if they don't get a first rounder, there are definitely second rounders to be had.

Of course, wanting a pick still is not enough to actually acquire one. There must be ideal conditions for your want to come to fruition.

Firstly, there must be supply and this year’s draft has plenty. Several teams including Philadelphia and Phoenix have multiple picks and the Utah Jazz, as reported by the Salt Lake Tribune, may be looking to move their pick.

The second part of the trade equation requires assets and, like supply, the Raptors have plenty. Juan Dixon is entering the final year of his contract, Joey Graham’s potential may tickle the fancy of a few GM’s, and Rasho Nesterovic is a serviceable big man. Michael Grange of the Globe and Mail also recently reported that Jose Calderon is attracting significant interest, specifically from the Atlanta Hawks.

We have supply, we have assets, and lastly we have quality players. This year’s draft is full of talent and full of potential Raptors in the mid to late first-round; here are a few possibilities:

Nick Young, SG, 6-7, USC. A phenomenal athlete who does not shy away from the rim and has developed a solid post-game. His 40 inch vertical coupled with his long arms make him an offense threat and a great defender.

Daequan Cook, SG, 6-6, Ohio State. While overshadowed by teammates Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr, he is considered a big-time scorer, loves to drive the lane, and has an NBA-ready body. All of this as a freshman.

Rodney Stuckey, SG, 6-5, Eastern Washington. Considered a draft sleeper, he is a combo-guard of the Randy Foye mold with plenty of size and finishes well around the basket. Very quick and gets to the line over 8 times per game.

              

The Raptors have also shown a special affinity for international players and there are two strong candidates that may attract their attention.

First, Rudy Fernandez from Spain who really does it all: a solid athlete, gets to the rim, defends well, and has great court awareness.

Another Italian, in Marco Belinelli, may join the Raptors and he competed against current Raptor Andrea Bargnani in the Italian League Finals. He is a combo guard with deep range, length, and excellent vision.

Ultimately for this year’s draft, Toronto Raptors fans should expect the unexpected.