Grizzly Bear Blues Community NBA Mock Draft: Pick #9- Toronto Raptors

Check out the previous picks in the 2016 Grizzly Bear Blues Community NBA Mock Draft here.

We left our Mock Draft with the Sacramento Kings taking Kris Dunn out of Providence with the 8th overall pick. Today, we pick up with #9 overall for the Toronto Raptors, who after the most successful season in their franchise's history also has this lottery pick to address any weaknesses they may have. Making the selection is Toronto's Mock GM Tabitha Richards, who is a Senior Contributor to the Memphis Grizzlies fan blog All Heart in Hoop City.

With the ninth pick in the 2016 GBB Community NBA Mock Draft, the Toronto Raptors select...

Henry Ellenson, Forward, Marquette University

Bill Streicher- USA Today Sports

Here is what Tabitha had to say about her selection-

Toronto isn't in bad shape. They made it to the Eastern Conference Finals and gave Cleveland a fight. Why not take that opportunity to draft a guy that could possibly improve on an area of moderate weakness at the 4-5? Henry Ellenson could be that guy.

Ellenson is extraordinarily athletic coupled with ball handling that isn't always seen in big men. His build is exactly what you look for in an atypical NBA power forward. With a 9'1" standing reach and 7'2" wingspan he is able to use his 240 pounds to get where he wants to on the court.

While he is not a prolific shooter with work Ellenson is going to be able to knock down the three and stretch the floor. He is already effective in the mid-range and can even pull up off the dribble for nice highlight. His build is going to allow him to handle contact. If that contact result in a foul, Ellenson will still have you covered since he averaged 74.9% from the line last year. While his size can be a mismatch if he used in a pick and roll, there are some struggles in his ability to finish at the rim. Despite the fact that he is not a strong post player he will still see success in the NBA after developing his own confidence in his limitations and abilities.

Ellenson will need to be kept conditioned, as he has been on the heftier side. There is a need for growth in his defense as well. However, with DeRozan's contract up for free agency next year having a stretch four could prove valuable in providing some shooting while backing up Valanciunas in a smaller lineup. Toronto will offer him the opportunity to fit in to a system that will have a role for him.

We head in to double digits next, as our own Kevin Yeung and the Mock Milwaukee Bucks are now on the clock at #10 overall!

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