NBA Mock Draft: Toronto Raptors Select Marquese Chriss From Washington

NBA Mock Draft Pick #9 -- Marquese Chriss, Power Forward, Washington

SB Nation's Toronto Raptors' blog, RaptorsHQ, explain their selection:

Chriss has as high a ceiling as almost any prospect in this draft. The Raptors have a D-League team in close proximity to help him develop, and there is no pressure on him to contribute right off the bat if he isn't ready. Chriss is a versatile, sharp-shooting, athletic power forward who will need to be groomed into a two-way ace. With his relative youth in mind too, the Raptors should definitely take a chance on him should he fall to #9.

Ridiculous Upside analysis: As an elite Eastern Conference squad with a huge veteran presence, the Toronto Raptors really don't have a lot to lose with this pick. That reason is why this selection of Marquese Chriss makes a lot of sense, as he may be one of the biggest high-upside guys in this draft class. Chriss is an extremely athletic forward with a huge motor and a smooth perimeter stroke, ingredients that NBA teams look for in the modern stretch big. While his basketball IQ might prevent him from getting immediate playing time, Toronto definitely has time to slowly develop him as a key piece to their future.

1) Philadelphia 76ers: BEN SIMMONS

2) Los Angeles Lakers: BRANDON INGRAM

3) Phoenix Suns (From Boston): DRAGAN BENDER

4) Utah Jazz (From Phoenix): JAMAL MURRAY

5) Denver Nuggets (from Minnesota) : BUDDY HIELD

6) New Orleans Pelicans: KRIS DUNN

7) Minnesota Timberwolves (from Denver): DENZEL VALENTINE

8) Sacramento Kings: JAYLEN BROWN

9) Toronto Raptors: MARQUESE CHRISS

10) Milwaukee Bucks:

11) Sacramento Kings (From Orlando):

12) Utah Jazz:

13) Phoenix Suns:

14) Chicago Bulls:

15) Denver Nuggets:

16) Boston Celtics:

17) Memphis Grizzlies:

18) Detroit Pistons:

19) Denver Nuggets:

20) Indiana Pacers:

21) Atlanta Hawks:

22) Charlotte Hornets:

23) Utah Jazz (from Boston):

24) Philadelphia 76ers:

25) Los Angeles Clippers:

26) Philadelphia 76ers:

27) Toronto Raptors:

28) Utah Jazz (from Phoenix) :

29) San Antonio Spurs:

30) Golden State Warriors: