The Toronto Raptors enter the 2026 NBA draft with a clear need for frontcourt help. After addressing shooting woes in a previous analysis, the focus shifts to finding a center or power forward to complement Jakob Poeltl, Scottie Barnes, and Collin Murray-Boyles. With the 19th overall pick and a second-round selection at 50th, the Raptors have several intriguing options.
Raptors' Frontcourt Needs
Veteran center Jakob Poeltl, who has dealt with back issues, is the only player on the roster taller than 6-foot-10. While Barnes and Murray-Boyles can defend the middle, relying on them for 82 games is risky due to the physical toll. The Raptors need a true big man who can protect the rim, rebound, and provide offensive versatility.
The 2026 draft is guard-heavy at the top, with only two big men expected in the top 10: Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. This leaves several quality frontcourt prospects available later in the first round, giving Toronto a chance to address its need at pick 19.
Top Big Men Targets at Pick 19
Hannes Steinbach, Washington
Scouts note that the 7-foot German performed better alongside another center. He has great hands and rebounding ability, similar to Poeltl, but with added shooting touch. However, he may be gone before pick 19.
Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky
Quaintance, a 6-foot-9 freshman with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, played only about half a season due to injury but showcased elite shot-blocking. Comparisons to Robert Williams III highlight his defensive potential, but his offensive game is raw. He is a high-risk, high-reward prospect reminiscent of OG Anunoby, whom the Raptors drafted while injured in 2017.
Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
Cenac also boasts a 7-foot-5 wingspan and is slightly taller than Quaintance, with more offensive tools. However, scouts believe he needs at least two seasons to contribute meaningfully in the NBA.
Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
The Estonian 7-footer is a skilled shooter who could replace Sandro Mamukelashvili if he leaves in free agency. He is thin and has defensive limitations, but his offensive fit alongside Barnes and Murray-Boyles is appealing.
Nate Ament, Tennessee
Ament is a 6-foot-10 forward with guard skills and rim-attacking ability, but shooting concerns make him a questionable fit for Toronto.
Second-Round Options at Pick 50
The Raptors also hold the 50th pick, where finding a contributor is possible. Recent examples include Kobe Brown (50th in 2025), Jamal Shead (48th in 2024), and Toumani Camara (52nd in 2023).
Ugonna Onyenso, Virginia
According to The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, Onyenso may be the best rim protector in the draft. He excels at catching lobs but offers little else offensively. He could be sent to Raptors 905 for development.
Oscar Cluff, Purdue
The Australian big man is a strong rebounder and screen-setter with good hands, though he may be too slow for the NBA.
Felix Okpara, Tennessee
Okpara is a rangy defender and rim protector with skill and shooting issues, but he could provide energy off the bench.
Baba Miller, Cincinnati
Miller has the physical tools of a top prospect but requires significant development. He would be a bet on Toronto's player development program.
Born to Be a Raptor?
Duke's Maliq Brown, though undersized for a power forward, embodies the Raptors' defensive ethos. He would terrorize opponents alongside Barnes, Murray-Boyles, Ja'Kobe Walter, and Jamal Shead. Toronto drafted a similar guard in Alijah Martin last year.
The Raptors face a crucial decision at pick 19: take a high-upside prospect like Quaintance or a more polished player like Veesaar. With Poeltl's health uncertain and the need for a long-term solution at center, this draft could shape Toronto's frontcourt for years to come.
