Though the Toronto Raptors own the ninth and 27th picks of the first round in the 2016 NBA Draft, there has been much speculation about what will and can be done with those picks to improve the 2016 Eastern Conference finalists. As teams jockey for extra lottery draft pick position, dangling asset carrots about, all the while ramping up the gamesmanship in hopes that a front boss might pull a Billy King and trade away its future for a shot term fix, the Raptors find themselves in the lottery, even after an amazing season.

The Number 9.

Draft Purgatory?

When the Toronto Raptors drafted Tracy Lamar McGrady, Jr. in 1997, hopes of building a winner very early in franchise existence rose. Coupling the young T-Mac with the 1995 NBA Rookie of the Year and first pick in team history Damon Stoudemire and 1996 draftee Marcus Camby, the trio looked to be the foundation by which the squad could be built into a contender.

Alas, it never came to be...

Fast forward to the 2009 draft, when now- unrestricted free agent DeMar Darnell DeRozan is selected, eventually becoming one of the faces of the organization who helps lead the Raptors to within two victories toward the NBA Finals... Two Steps Away... Two Steps.

This recent success has raised the expectation level exponentially and is clearly due to the steady coaching hand of Dwane Casey, the deft mind and moves of general manager Masai Ujiri and naturally, the stellar play of the team.

With two first round picks in what looks to be a relatively lackluster draft class, Uriji and his brain trust must find the best way to utilize these picks. Be it by moving them to address an immediate need at the starting power forward position, as well as possibly a solid veteran two way wing player whose versatility aids the Raptors toward taking that next step into Title Contending Territory or choosing assets that help the team in the here and now as well as the long term, the choices are not easy.

If the Dinos do decide to move those picks, they won't be the only things lost.

Outside of the extremely slim possibility DeRozan decides to find other shiny hardwood surfaces to ply his trade below the 49th parallel and highly valued spark plug and fan favourite Bismack Biyambo wants to cash in elsewhere while his name is hot, someone of value on the bench, with a reasonable/moveable contract in today's new NBA economic climate, like the ever dependable Patrick Patterson or erratic, but improving Terrence Ross, may be jettisoned.

In supposing some variation of this scenario comes to fruition, the door is open for surprising former second round pick Norman Powell to thrive. Or maybe Mr. Ujiri's biggest project, Bruno Caboclo, finds his way into the rotation along with whomever the front office was willing to bring in by letting go of Patterson and/or Ross, plus picks.

Not exactly sure those moves, if made, will help to create the calculus of next level success for the Raptors right away.  But, let's examine a couple names on the draft board, some of whom have worked out for Toronto, and gauge whether or not they can be a younger, athletic upgrade for one of the Raps most pressing needs on the roster.

Marquese Chriss: 18, 6'9", 225 Lbs., PF - Washington
Highest rated big not named Ben Simmons or Dragan Bender, Chriss more than likely won't come close to being on the board at 9, but his upside, length, activity level, athleticism and decent range make him a hotly desired commodity.

Brice Johnson: 21, 6'10, 210 Lbs. PF - North Carolina
Could be a sleeper pick later in the round, but not necessarily a huge surprise if he went at 9. Easily the best rebounder in the class, despite his lithe frame, Johnson plays with an attitude and energy that could be a match for the Raps frontcourt, be it starting or off the bench.

Henry Ellenson: 19, 6'11, 242 Lbs., PF - Marquette
If ever there were a time to be considered a "poor man's Kevin Wesley Love", this is it for young Ellenson. If he's available, with his hoops IQ, size and decent tools, he could make himself an opening night starter in Toronto.

Cheick Diallo: 19, 6'9", 219 Lbs., PF/C - Kansas

Didn't get big minutes on a veteran-laden Kansas squad, but also didn't show enough consistency to stay out of foul trouble or develop a more nuanced offensive skill set. Could be an absolute terror on the boards and as a rim protector if he prioritizes.

Taurean Prince: 21, 6'8", 220 Lbs., SF - Baylor

Versatile, tough "3&D" guy in the mold of a bigger DeMarre Carroll who could provide NBA-ready defensive intensity and solid offensive ability off the bench.

Diamond Stone: 19, 6'10", 255 Lbs., C - Maryland

Perhaps the best and most apropos moniker in the draft pool, Stone is a diamond in the rough, who may not find his way on an NBA roster through the draft. D-League prospect at best right now.

Thon Maker: 7'1, 216 Lbs., PF - Orangeville Prep (Ontario)

This can be a cautionary tale. With the young Maker playing near Toronto in Orangeville, the ability to examine his game beyond a slicky-produced YouTube video highlight reel make this a tricky choice, more so at 9 than at 27, if he's still on the board. Playing at 'home' for the Sudanese-born Australian who finished his prep career in Canada could be Cory Joseph good... or Anthony Bennett bad. The jury still out, but his size, raw ability and upside read prospect and not immediate NBA contributor. Then again, this reads a great deal like some of the early feedback on Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is on the verge of stardom in the NBA. This is such an inexact science!

While some of these name might not wow you or even register, whatever happens, there is nothing thus far in the asset management track record of Ujiri to suggest a misstep will occur on his watch in the draft.

At the end of the day, the future is bright in #The6ix with the Raptors after their most successful campaign in franchise history.

Even with the ninth and 27th picks, In Masai, you can trust.