The Toronto Raptors are set for a pivotal decision in the 2025 NBA Draft, holding the ninth overall pick after a season marked by transition and flashes of promise. With speculation swirling and mock drafts shifting, one standout from Duke has emerged as a potential game-changer for the franchise.
The question remains: will the Raptors seize the opportunity to add a proven scorer to their young core?
Raptors Eye Duke Standout at No. 9
After a tough season in which the Raptors ended up with the seventh-worst record and slid down a couple of spots in the lottery, they’re now focused on getting the most out of that ninth pick. Many people think Toronto’s eyeing Duke’s Kon Knueppel, a 6’7” forward who averaged 14.4 points a game and has gotten a lot of love for his smooth offense and shooting skills.
Knueppel’s draft position has kind of been affected by teams at the top going after players with bigger upside, which means he’s slipped a bit further down the board.
But honestly, he’s seen as a really safe bet- a sweet-shooting, 6’7” forward who can also put the ball on the floor and create his own shot when needed. That kind of reliability and versatility is exactly what the Raptors need, especially since they’re looking for more shooting and length on the wing.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer praised Knueppel’s competitiveness and impact, saying, “He’s really about competition and never shied away from making winning plays. As a freshman, he played both sides of the ball and always put his body on the line.”
Competitor. Winner. Bucket-getter. Playmaker. @Kon2Knueppel did it all for us.
🗣️ @JonScheyer pic.twitter.com/umpfWI8Yeo
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 16, 2025
While Knueppel may not project as a future All-NBA cornerstone, his ability to contribute immediately is a key selling point. As reports put it, “He doesn’t necessarily project to have the ceiling of turning into a perennial All-NBA player, though he would fit perfectly with what the Raptors want to do.
They need shooting with length on the perimeter, and he could step in from Day 1 and contribute.” For a team looking to balance development with competitiveness, Knueppel’s skill set fills a pressing need.
How Knueppel Fits the Raptors’ Vision
If you look at Toronto’s recent draft picks and how they build their team, it’s pretty clear they love guys who can defend, share the ball, and play hard. Bringing in Knueppel would fit right in with that approach. He’s a dependable shooter who can also step up and create offense when needed.
His shooting would give more space for playmakers like Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley to do their thing, and his size just adds even more versatility on both offense and defense.
The Raptors’ front office usually likes to go with the best player available, especially in drafts where there aren’t a ton of top-tier prospects. That’s why Knueppel makes a lot of sense at number nine.
He’s mature, productive, and skilled-plus, Toronto’s really been missing reliable outside shooting. Adding him could help steady their rotation and speed up the growth of their young players.
In the end, Knueppel’s the kind of guy who could come in and make an impact right away, which might be just what the Raptors need to get back in the playoff mix. With the draft coming up, everyone’s watching to see if Toronto’s front office pulls the trigger on a move that could shape the next chapter of their rebuild.
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As the 2025 NBA Draft draws near, the Toronto Raptors are poised to make a significant addition with the ninth pick. Duke’s Kon Knueppel stands out as a high-floor, immediate-impact prospect whose shooting and versatility could address key roster needs.
If the Raptors follow through, Knueppel’s arrival may signal a new chapter in Toronto’s quest to build a competitive, modern roster.
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