With the 2026 NBA Draft less than five days away, the phrase “mock draft” continues to grow as one of the most searched phrases among basketball enthusiasts. For Toronto Raptors supporters, this time of the year means becoming familiar with the array of players that could be available at pick 19.
In part three of a weekly mock draft round-up, it’s clear that experts believe the Raptors will select whichever scoring guard falls to 19. Potential echo-chamber aside, those who followed the team last season
understand the importance of having someone who can put the ball in the basket.
One player who doesn’t appear in this round-up is Iowa’s Bennet Stirtz. The six-foot-four guard was a popular pick in part one of this series but no longer appears to be in play for some analysts.
There are two intriguing big man options that appear in these mocks. While it makes sense to prioritize the guard position, the Raptors shocked everyone last off-season when they selected Collin Murray-Boyles despite fit concerns. Could general manager and executive vice president Bobby Webster do something similar again?
Labaron Philon Jr. (PG, 6’4, 20-years-old, Alabama)
Bleacher Report (Jonathan Wasserman) – June 16
Previous Mocks: Christian Anderson (now @ 15 to Chicago Bulls), Bennett Stirtz (now @ 16 to Memphis Grizzlies)
“Teams considering…Philon will be drawn to his creativity”
“…could slip to late lottery behind the young guards who may look more like natural playmakers.”
“…unless Philon’s slower release affects his three-point shot, there’s a high likelihood his scoring ability will translate.”
Yahoo Sports (Kevin O’Connor) – June 17
Previous Mock: Labaron Philon Jr., Bennett Stirtz (now @ 16 to Memphis Grizzlies)
“…a shifty, score-first point guard who blossomed into one of the best guards in college…”
“…buttery floaters, a deceptive handle, and a feel for running an offence…”
“…a below-the-rim athlete and listed under 180 pounds…”
Sports Illustrated (Derek Parker) – June 15
“…probably has a better chance of going in the top-10 than nearly 20…”
“…could immediately assume a lot of the handling and play-making duties.”
“His scoring gravity would help to take pressure off the other Raptors…”
Ebuka Okorie (PG, 6’2, 19-years-old, Standford)
CBS Sports (Cameron Salerno) – June 18
“…was one of the best scorers in college basketball…”
“…his ability to get to the rim as a guard is special.”
“…Raptors could be in the market for a big man, but taking the BPA also makes sense.”
Christian Anderson (PG, 6’3, 20-years-old, Texas Tech)
NBADraft.net (Aran Smith) – June 18
Previous Mocks: Karim Lopez (now @ 11 to Golden State Warriors), Isaiah Evans (now @ 18 to Charlotte Hornets)
“…displays excellent feel and pace as a primary ball handler, consistently controlling tempo…”
“…operates extremely well in pick-and-roll-situations…”
“High-level shooter with deep range…”
“Lacks ideal size and strength for the point guard position…”
Chris Cenac Jr. (PF/C, 6’11, 19-years-old, Houston)
TSN (Jeremy Woo) – June 15
“…developing his identity as a player and it will take time for him to become a contributor.”
“…his physical stature and developing skill at 19-years-old have helped to separate him in the predraft process.”
“…appears to have stabilized himself in the 14-to-22 range, where he is under consideration for every team looking for frontcourt help.”
Tarris Reed Jr. (C, 6’11, 22-years-old, UConn)
NoCeilings – June 17
Previous Mock: Bennett Stirtz (now @ 21 to Detroit Pistons)
“…an absolute unit who will annihilate defenders on screens, carve out rebounding pits, and be an immoveable object on defence.”
“…he shouldn’t be as nimble as he is.”
“…being an outside threat may never come to fruition…”
“…for teams looking to add players who can drive winning, there aren’t other big men at this point who hold a candle to Tarris Reed Jr.”
