Raptors’ Predraft Workouts: What Toronto Learned from Prospects Visiting the Facility

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. Raptors’ Draft Needs and Organizational Context
4. Zuby Ejiofor — Defensive Anchor with Developing Offense
5. Bennett Stirtz — Floor General and Deep Threat
6. Meleek Thomas — Catch-and-Shoot Wing with Defensive Growth
7. Baba Miller — Long, Skilled Forward with Rapid Growth
8. Tre Carroll — Two-Way Big with Midrange Skill
9. JVonne Hadley — Old-School Finisher with Modern Tools
10. Common Threads from the Workouts
11. How Workouts Influence Draft Strategy: What Toronto Looks For
12. Projected Draft Outcomes and Development Timelines
13. What to Watch in Summer League and Early-Season Play
14. How Toronto’s Past Draft Decisions Inform Current Evaluations
15. Potential Scenarios Post-Workout: Trade, Draft, or Stash
16. Recommended Development Approaches for Each Prospect
17. Final Assessment: Who Fits Best for Toronto Right Now
18. FAQ

Key Highlights

• The Toronto Raptors hosted pre-draft workouts for a roster of varied prospects — from defensive-minded forwards to high-volume college scorers — as teams intensify evaluations ahead of the May 27 early-entry deadline.
• Players in Toronto’s mix share two traits the Raptors target: positional versatility and shooting upside; priorities shift depending on trade decisions around Jakob Poeltl and the future of Gradey Dick.
• Individual evaluations signal clear fits and concerns: Zuby Ejiofor offers rim protection and interior scoring, Bennett Stirtz provides floor-spacing and play-reading, Meleek Thomas is a catch-and-shoot wing, while Baba Miller, Tre Carroll, and JVonne Hadley bring length and differing defensive profiles.

Introduction

Teams accelerate decision-making as the draft approaches. Private workouts and interviews give front offices an intimate look at prospects beyond box scores. The Toronto Raptors, known for blending analytics with developmental track records, have begun hosting prospects for in-person evaluations. Reports compiled by Rookie Wire and Hoops Hype identify several players who visited the Raptors’ facility or were scheduled to. These workouts do more than measure athleticism; they reveal fit, temperament, and the immediate versus long-term value each prospect could deliver.

The Raptors sit at a crossroads. Contract situations, potential summer trades and a need for more reliable perimeter shooting shape their draft priorities. The players who stepped through Toronto’s doors represent a sampling of what the team might pursue: defensive versatility, shooting accuracy, size that translates to multiple positions, and basketball IQ. Below, each prospect is dissected for strengths, concerns, and how they might integrate with Toronto’s roster and timeline.

Raptors’ Draft Needs and Organizational Context

Toronto’s roster construction in recent seasons shows a preference for players who can defend multiple positions, stretch the floor and possess a professional temperament. The organization places measurable emphasis on on-ball defense, switchability and shot creation that complements their primary creators. Those priorities will guide how workouts are evaluated.

Uncertainty in the frontcourt — whether Jakob Poeltl remains or moves — will influence whether the Raptors prioritize interior size or wing shooting. Offensively, the club still seeks consistent shooters. The potential departure of Gradey Dick, who occupies a shooting role with defensive upside, leaves a vacuum for knock-down perimeter specialists. The Raptors’ coaching staff and front office will use workouts to assess quick, actionable fits and long-term projects. A prospect’s polish, role clarity, and immediate roster impact matter as much as raw upside.

These workouts also allow Toronto to evaluate character and coachability. The organization historically rewards players who accept role definitions, display work ethic and demonstrate observable improvement year-over-year. With that framework in mind, the following breakdowns analyze the prospects linked to Raptors workouts.

Zuby Ejiofor — Defensive Anchor with Developing Offense

Profile snapshot

• Position: Forward/Big
• College: St. John’s (Senior)
• 2025–26 stats: 16.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 2.1 BPG
• Measurements: 6'7.5" without shoes, 245 lbs, 7'2" wingspan

Why Toronto worked him out Zuby Ejiofor’s primary selling point is defense. He moves like a modern big: he can stay attached to guards on switches, recover to rim protection duties and block shots at an elite rate. That combination of lateral mobility and shot-blocking is rare among college forwards. The Raptors, who value rim protection in versatile packages, evaluated Ejiofor for his ability to defend pick-and-rolls, guard multiple positions and provide reliable interior finishing.

Strengths that stood out in workouts

• Switchability: Ejiofor can match up with quicker perimeter players and also anchor interior defense in the same possession. That versatility is critical for lineups that frequently switch.
• Block timing and rim suspension: Blocking 2.1 shots per game while still showing disciplined positioning suggests high-level instincts rather than mere athleticism.
• Interior scoring feel: Strong hands and footwork around the rim allow him to convert in traffic and draw fouls, creating efficient looks in close.

Developmental needs

• Perimeter shooting: His three-point volume is increasing, but he remains a work in progress as an outside threat. For modern spacing, an NBA-level pull-up or catch-and-shoot consistency from three would accelerate his minutes.
• Body composition and conditioning: At 245 pounds with his listed height, adding functional strength and improving conditioning could help him withstand NBA physicality and survive regular minutes.

Fit with the Raptors Ejiofor’s defensive traits align with Toronto’s emphasis on switching and rim protection. If Poeltl is moved, the Raptors may look to supplement frontline defense with versatile pieces; Ejiofor could be one such addition, particularly if his perimeter shooting progresses. As a projected rotational player, he would likely start as a defensive role player while developing spacial awareness on offense. His immediate impact: protecting the paint and changing shots. His long-term upside: an all-surface defensive big who spaces the floor enough to not clog the offense.

Comparable development path A model for Ejiofor’s trajectory might be a late-developing frontcourt defender who learns to add spacing over a couple of seasons. Teams have turned such players into reliable rotation pieces by focusing on strength training, three-point mechanics and pick-and-roll defensive fundamentals.

Bennett Stirtz — Floor General and Deep Threat

Profile snapshot

• Position: Guard
• College: Iowa (Senior)
• 2025–26 stats: 19.8 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.4 SPG
• Measurements: 6'2.5" without shoes, 186 lbs, 6'6" wingspan

Why Toronto worked him out Bennett Stirtz checks a key box: a guard who can shoot from anywhere. The Raptors have consistently looked for floor spacing, and Stirtz’s shooting profile drew attention. His veteran instincts and play-reading ability also present potential for off-ball and on-ball contributions depending on the role envisioned.

Strengths that stood out in workouts

• Shooting: Knockdown mechanics and range make him a strong catch-and-shoot option. Heavy three-point volume in college translated into a high level of offensive efficiency.
• Court sense: He showed an advanced feel for reading defenses, finding passing lanes and knowing when to accelerate or slow a possession.
• Length for position: A 6'6" wingspan creates favorable passing and defensive angles compared to typical 6'2" guards.

Developmental needs

• Finishing at the rim: Questions remain about his ability to finish through NBA-level contact and athleticism. Improving body control and craft around the rim would lift his grade.
• On-ball defense: Stirtz needs improvement defending quicker NBA guards one-on-one, particularly against isolation and sudden shifts in pace.

Fit with the Raptors Toronto could use Stirtz as a rotational combo guard who spaces the floor off the bench. His instincts make him useful as a secondary ball-handler in late-game situations and as a catch-and-shoot option in pace-and-space lineups. Should the Raptors decide to trade Gradey Dick, an emphasis on floor spacing increases the value of a guard who can shoot with high accuracy. Stirtz’s ceiling is a high-efficiency role player who impacts the game by spacing and smart decision-making.

Projection and development plan A sensible plan involves embedding Stirtz into half-court shooting drills, finishing drills in contact, and defensive slide mechanics during Summer League and G League minutes. If his finishing improves by his second season, he could be a reliable two-way rotational guard.

Meleek Thomas — Catch-and-Shoot Wing with Defensive Growth

Profile snapshot

• Position: Guard/Wing
• College: Arkansas (Freshman)
• 2025–26 stats: 15.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.5 SPG
• Measurements: 6'3" without shoes, 189 lbs, 6'6.75" wingspan

Why Toronto worked him out Meleek Thomas arrived at the workout with a reputation as an efficient catch-and-shoot wing. Playing alongside a primary ball-handler limited his opportunities to create off the bounce, but he adapted and grew into a role that emphasized spot-up scoring and defensive improvement. Toronto viewed him as a complementary shooter who could plug into spacing needs.

Strengths that stood out in workouts

• Catch-and-shoot accuracy: Thomas’s release and shot selection made him a dangerous spacer off ball movement and after screens.
• Defensive instincts: He improved noticeably on defense with active hands and willingness to contest.
• Athletic base and length: A near-6'7" wingspan helps him contest and switch onto larger wings.

Developmental needs

• Playmaking aggression: Transitioning from a complementary shooter to a creator for others will require more experience initiating offense.
• Physical strength: Adding muscle will help him absorb contact when driving and fight through screens more effectively.

Fit with the Raptors Thomas could be a low-risk, high-reward pick for Toronto if the team prioritizes immediate spacing. He would fit naturally into off-ball roles, spot-up threes and secondary defensive assignments. The Raptors’ development staff historically accelerates shooters through repetition and role clarity; Thomas would benefit from a defined role that maximizes his shooting while allowing gradual growth as a defender and cutter.

Real-world example A player who carved a niche in a similar fashion is the catch-and-shoot bench wing who earns minutes through consistent spacing rather than creative ball-handling. For teams prioritizing perimeter balance, Thomas offers an accessible path to rotation minutes.

Baba Miller — Long, Skilled Forward with Rapid Growth

Profile snapshot

• Position: Forward/Wing
• College: Cincinnati (Senior)
• 2025–26 stats: 13.0 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.2 BPG
• Measurements: 6'10.5" without shoes, 208 lbs, 7'1.75" wingspan

Why Toronto worked him out Baba Miller presents an intriguing combination: significant height and length paired with guard-like skills developed after a major growth spurt. Scouts highlighted his versatility, the ability to defend multiple matchups, and improved playmaking and rebounding. Toronto evaluated whether his skillset could translate to an NBA wing who defends larger players and spaces the floor.

Strengths that stood out in workouts

• Positional versatility: Miller can defend inside and on the perimeter, using length and mobility to hedge out and recover.
• Rebounding and motor: Averaging double-digit rebounds indicates a consistent pursuit of the ball and presence on both ends of the floor.
• Playmaking instincts for size: His assist numbers reflect a comfort handling the ball and making reads from the high post.

Developmental needs

• Shooting consistency: Miller’s percentages fluctuated across seasons. For NBA spacing, he needs more reliable three-point shooting and shot selection.
• Added strength: At 208 pounds near seven feet tall, adding muscle mass to handle contact and finish around the rim is critical.

Fit with the Raptors If Toronto moves Poeltl, adding a long, switchable forward who can rotate defensively and open lanes with playmaking makes sense. Miller looks like a multi-positional piece who fits modern lineups that rely on length and versatility. He could play as a small-ball five in certain matchups but projects more as a forward who offers rebounding, rim protection, and occasional shot creation.

Long-term projection With targeted strength and shooting programs, Miller could develop into a multi-year rotation piece valued for defensive flexibility and facilitation from the perimeter.

Tre Carroll — Two-Way Big with Midrange Skill

Profile snapshot

• Position: Forward
• College: Xavier (Senior)
• 2025–26 stats: 17.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.6 APG
• Measurements: 6'8" without shoes, 235 lbs, 6'11" wingspan

Why Toronto worked him out Tre Carroll brings physicality and midrange scoring to the table. He pairs ball skills with length and shows an ability to create for himself when opponents close out. Toronto’s staff likely probed his defensive agility and how his scoring translates under NBA speed and strength.

Strengths that stood out in workouts

• Self-creation: Carroll generates offense through footwork and midrange touch. Close-range efficiency without relying on dunks highlights a refined finishing skill set.
• Length and athleticism: A near-seven-foot wingspan and surprising vertical explosiveness enhance both his defensive and offensive appeal.
• Pick-and-roll defense: He has shown competence defending the pick-and-roll, especially against similarly sized opponents.

Developmental needs

• Quickness versus guards: Carroll lacks elite burst to consistently stay in front of smaller, quicker ball handlers. Switching schemes that expose that weakness could limit his immediate minutes.
• Perimeter shooting and spacing: While effective in midrange, his three-point volume and accuracy need enhancement to fit modern spacing models.

Fit with the Raptors Carroll projects as a bench scoring forward who can provide midrange stability and occasional defensive presence. For Toronto, he becomes most useful if the coaching staff uses him in matchups where his frame and midrange repertoire pose problems for the opposition. The Raptors might deploy him in staggered minutes to exploit mismatches rather than as a primary defensive anchor.

Role clarity Carroll’s ceiling is as a multi-positional scorer off the bench, useful in those lineups that prioritize spacing and off-ball movement. Defensive limitations against guards will determine whether he becomes a situational player or secures more minutes.

JVonne Hadley — Old-School Finisher with Modern Tools

Profile snapshot

• Position: Guard/Forward
• College: Louisville (Senior)
• 2025–26 stats: 11.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.8 APG
• Measurements: 6'7" without shoes, 210 lbs, 6'8" wingspan

Why Toronto worked him out JVonne Hadley’s game incorporates post-feel, physical finishing and polished footwork. He is an atypical wing who uses low-post moves, drop steps and up-and-unders to create angle finishes. Toronto likely examined whether that inside game and defensive toughness can be harnessed as a bench piece that defends multiple positions.

Strengths that stood out in workouts

• Post play and finishing: Hadley’s footwork and finishing touch provide a unique scoring profile among wings, allowing him to exploit mismatches in the paint.
• Physicality and toughness: He defends multiple positions and demonstrates willingness to battle on the glass.
• Intuitive movement: Smart cut decisions and off-ball angles make him a steady contributor in lineups needing interior presence.

Developmental needs

• Shooting consistency at range: To retain minutes in spacing-focused lineups, Hadley needs to prove he can hit shots from the perimeter with regularity.
• Playmaking refinement: While a competent passer in some sets, adding reads against pro-level defenses will expand his role.

Fit with the Raptors Hadley could occupy a niche as a versatile bench player who closes quarters when interior toughness and defensive switching are needed. His offensive variety gives coaches options for late-game matchups. Toronto’s developmental approach — particularly their emphasis on positional versatility — could maximize Hadley’s value if the team commits to a role that leverages his inside scoring and defensive adaptability.

Common Threads from the Workouts

Several themes emerge from Toronto’s reported workout list:

• Versatility matters: Every prospect offers some capacity to play multiple positions defensively or offensively. Toronto prioritizes players who fit into switching schemes and can defend the perimeter when required.
• Shooting remains a premium: Guards and wings with reliable catch-and-shoot mechanics grabbed attention. The potential movement of Gradey Dick makes perimeter shooting even more valuable.
• Size and length are differentiators: Prospects with extended wingspans (Ejiofor, Miller, Stirtz and Hadley) fit the Raptors’ defense-first identity. Length helps in closeouts, passing lane defense and rebounding.
• Two-tier evaluation: The Raptors evaluate both immediate role players (shooters, defenders) and developmental projects (bigs who must add strength or wings who need shot creation polish).

These commonalities align with an organizational strategy that balances win-now needs with sustainable development for future seasons.

How Workouts Influence Draft Strategy: What Toronto Looks For

Workouts offer more than measurements. They reveal motor, competitive instincts, pick-and-roll defense and a player’s capacity to perform under pressure. Toronto’s staff will use the following evaluative lenses:

• Role clarity: Can the prospect accept a specific role early while improving complementary skills? History shows teams favor players who buy into defined roles.
• Defensive comprehension: Smarts on defense — positioning, rotation understanding and help-side awareness — often outweigh raw athleticism.
• Shot mechanics under duress: The ability to replicate shooting motion under physical and game-speed pressure separates shooters from volume scorers.
• Physical projection: Strength programs and functional conditioning tell whether a prospect can handle NBA minutes without sacrificing mobility or endurance.
• Character and coachability: Workouts and interviews reveal how adaptable a player is to coaching, which predicts rate of in-season improvement.

For Toronto, a single workout can shift an internal grade if a prospect demonstrates elite traits not apparent on tape: basketball IQ, competitive intensity or unexpected positional fluidity. Conversely, concerns about motor, willingness to defend or a lack of competitiveness are red flags.

Projected Draft Outcomes and Development Timelines

Assessing each prospect’s draft likelihood requires blending tape, measurements and how NBA teams weigh immediate need against upside.

• Zuby Ejiofor: Likely mid-to-late first round or early second round depending on positional scarcity. Immediate impact on defense; upside tied to perimeter shooting development over two seasons.
• Bennett Stirtz: Mid-to-late first round candidate as a high-efficiency shooter and floor general. Could contribute rotational minutes in year one as a catch-and-shoot guard and secondary initiator.
• Meleek Thomas: Late first or second round prospect with an immediate role as a bench spacer. Rapid integration expected if shooting percentages translate to NBA catch-and-shoot opportunities.
• Baba Miller: Mid-second round with developmental upside; timeline to consistent rotation minutes may be two seasons if added strength and a steady three-point jumper emerge.
• Tre Carroll: Second round or undrafted-to-G League path, with a role as bench scorer if defensive quickness improves; immediate contribution expected in limited minutes.
• JVonne Hadley: Late second round or G League-to-rotation candidate; his inside scoring and defensive versatility warrant attention, but perimeter shooting determines long-term minutes.

The Raptors historically develop players who might not be immediate stars but who fit specific role expectations. Expect Toronto to prioritize prospects who can contribute within 12–24 months rather than those requiring prolonged remodeling.

What to Watch in Summer League and Early-Season Play

Once drafted or signed, prospects follow a predictable path: Summer League evaluation, G League seasoning, targeted skill training and NBA minutes sprinkled in. For Raptors prospects, the organization will focus on:

• Defensive role execution: Can the player understand and execute the team’s defensive schemes? Successful defenders at the NBA level show consistent rotations, help-side awareness and rebound discipline.
• Consistent shooting: Tracking catch-and-shoot percentages and off-dribble three-point attempts helps determine long-term fit.
• Physical adaptation: Strength progression and conditioning during preseason weigh heavily on whether a prospect can survive an 82-game season and handle NBA travel.
• Mental adjustments: The ability to accept reduced minutes, maintain positive energy and absorb coaching corrections separates players who become long-term contributors.

The Raptors’ development staff will integrate these prospects into role-focused plans, measuring improvement in concrete metrics rather than relying solely on raw talent.

How Toronto’s Past Draft Decisions Inform Current Evaluations

Toronto’s recent drafts and player development successes inform how the team assesses prospects:

• Emphasis on two-way players: The Raptors reward defense-first prospects who can learn to space the floor. Pascal Siakam’s transformation and Scottie Barnes’ early career suggest the organization values malleability and professionalism.
• Patience with projects: Toronto doesn’t shy away from players who require time; they invest in targeted skill work and conditioning programs.
• Value on wings and spacing: The club seeks wings who can defend and shoot; recent trends make those skills increasingly valuable.

Workouts therefore weight fit with organizational DNA. A player like Meleek Thomas — polished shooter who improved defensively — checks many boxes, while projections for developmental bigs hinge on their ability to add the modern requisite of perimeter threat or elite rim defense.

Potential Scenarios Post-Workout: Trade, Draft, or Stash

Several roster scenarios could influence how Toronto leverages the draft:

• If Jakob Poeltl is traded, the team may prioritize frontcourt players who offer defensive coverage and occasional spacing (Ejiofor or Baba Miller).
• If Gradey Dick is moved, Toronto will target perimeter shooters or crafty wings to replace his minutes (Bennett Stirtz or Meleek Thomas).
• The team could draft a player and stash him in the G League if immediate minutes are scarce, focusing on long-term development rather than instant contribution.
• Toronto might also use late picks or two-way contracts to add high-upside players like Tre Carroll or JVonne Hadley, then evaluate their progress in training camp.

Decision-making will incorporate medical checks, interviews and staff feedback from the workouts to calibrate risk and reward.

Recommended Development Approaches for Each Prospect

Front offices often map individualized development plans. For the Raptors, those could include:

• Zuby Ejiofor: Strength program, three-point mechanics, and shot-volume integration drills; defensive nuance sessions to expand switchability.
• Bennett Stirtz: Finishing in traffic, contact finishing drills, pick-and-roll defense against quicker guards; shooting maintenance work under fatigue.
• Meleek Thomas: Repetition on catch-and-shoot scenarios, secondary creation drills, strengthening to fight through screens.
• Baba Miller: Strength and conditioning to add mass without losing mobility; catch-and-shoot training to complement playmaking.
• Tre Carroll: Quickness drills, lateral agility work to improve guard defense, and progressive shooting work beyond the midrange.
• JVonne Hadley: Perimeter shooting development, playmaking reads in halfcourt, and role-specific defensive assignments.

The Raptors’ player-development team typically emphasizes measurable improvements in three-point percentage, defensive defensive-rating during minutes, and physical testing benchmarks.

Final Assessment: Who Fits Best for Toronto Right Now

If Toronto prioritizes immediate spacing and floor balance, Bennett Stirtz and Meleek Thomas stand out. Stirtz offers a veteran feel as an on-ball floor spacer, while Thomas provides an off-ball shooting profile that complements existing creators.

If defensive versatility and length are the target — especially with the potential movement of Jakob Poeltl — Zuby Ejiofor and Baba Miller offer intriguing profiles. Ejiofor brings rim protection and switchability; Miller adds length with guard skills and playmaking for his size.

Tre Carroll and JVonne Hadley represent situational value: Carroll as a midrange scorer capable of providing offensive punch, Hadley as a tough, mismatch-exploiting finisher. Both could earn roles via G League seasoning and conversion to specialized rotation spots.

The ultimate decision hinges on how the Raptors weigh immediate versus developmental returns, and whether offloading or retaining current pieces changes the roster calculus. Workouts provide critical data points, but draft nights often swing on organized interviews, medical evaluations and comparative grades across the league.

FAQ

Q: How much does a single workout influence a team’s draft decision? A: A single workout can significantly shift an internal grade when it reveals traits not evident on tape: elite shooting mechanics under pressure, clear defensive instincts, or a high basketball IQ. However, most teams weigh workouts alongside game film, combine measurements, interviews, and medical checks. A standout workout can move a prospect up a round; a poor one can drop them.

Q: Which prospects offer the most immediate help to the Raptors? A: Based on reported metrics, Bennett Stirtz and Meleek Thomas appear ready for immediate bench minutes. Stirtz’s shooting and play-reading translate quickly; Thomas’s catch-and-shoot skill set fits a spacing need immediately. Zuby Ejiofor could also contribute defensively early, assuming strength and conditioning align with NBA demands.

Q: How does Toronto’s roster situation affect whom they draft? A: The roster influences priority. A potential Poeltl trade would create a defensive and rebounding vacuum that the team might fill with versatile bigs. If Gradey Dick is moved, perimeter shooting becomes more urgent. Draft strategy will adapt to which veterans remain and the team’s short-term competitive aims.

Q: What are the risks associated with drafting these prospects? A: Each player carries predictable risks. Guards like Stirtz need to translate finishing and on-ball defense to the NBA level. Bigs like Ejiofor and Miller must add shooting or strength to avoid becoming defensive specialists who limit spacing. Wings like Thomas and Hadley must prove shooting consistency or expand their offensive repertoires to secure minutes. Injuries and maturation timelines also factor.

Q: Will the Raptors take a long-term project in the draft? A: Toronto has a track record of taking medically and developmentally calculated risks when they see long-term upside. If a prospect’s upside aligns with their defensive identity and the front office believes the developmental staff can add missing skills, they will consider projects. The deciding factor will be whether the player’s long-term value justifies delayed contribution.

Q: What should fans expect after the workouts conclude? A: Expect the Raptors to narrow their list, conduct interviews, finalize medical evaluations and potentially make trades that reshape draft strategy. Fans will see additional private workouts and league-wide interest shifting prospects around. Summer League will provide the first competitive glimpse for drafted or signed rookies.

Q: How important are wings with length and shooting in today’s NBA? A: Extremely important. Teams prize players who combine perimeter defense with spacing ability. Wings who can defend multiple positions while stretching defenses with threes provide lineups with tactical flexibility. The Raptors’ interest in length and shooting reflects broader league trends.

Q: When will Raptors fans know their draft picks? A: The official draft day remains the key moment. Prior to that, expect rumors and reporting about trades, workouts, and front-office decisions. Post-draft, Summer League and training camp provide the clearest early indicators of how prospects will be integrated.

Q: Are these workout reports comprehensive? A: Reports from outlets like Rookie Wire and Hoops Hype provide snapshots but not the whole picture. Teams often conduct multiple private interactions — on-court and off — that shape final evaluations. Workouts are one component in a multi-faceted decision-making process.

Q: What metrics should fans watch to gauge a draftee’s progress in year one? A: Track minutes played, three-point percentage (catch-and-shoot and pull-up splits), defensive rating during the player’s minutes, finishing rates at the rim, and physical testing improvements (strength and conditioning). Year-over-year improvements in these areas indicate a healthy developmental arc.