With the NBA regular season in the rearview mirror, front offices across the league are already deep in draft preparations. For the Toronto Raptors, the 2026 NBA Draft presents a crucial opportunity to add a key piece to their core, and the latest projections are beginning to take shape.

The draft picture is coming into focus following an electrifying March Madness, where future pros showcased their skills on the biggest stage. As underclassmen declare, the talent pool for the June event becomes clearer, setting the stage for the draft lottery on May 10th in Chicago.

Current projections, factoring in the draft order from sources like Tankathon.com, have the Raptors selecting at pick No. 20. For a team looking to bolster its backcourt, one name stands out: Bennett Stirtz.

Stirtz's journey—from Division II to a high-major program at Iowa—culminated in a stellar All-Big Ten season. He proved himself as a dynamic, self-creating scorer, excelling in isolation and pick-and-roll situations. His standout NCAA tournament performances, including a 24-point outing against Illinois, demonstrated he can deliver under pressure.

His style could be a seamless fit in Toronto. The Raptors' deliberate pace aligns perfectly with Stirtz's effective, controlled game at Iowa, making him a prospect who could step in and contribute to their backcourt rotation from day one.