Toronto Raptors 2014 Draft Preview

(SportsNetwork.com) - The Toronto Raptors enjoyed somewhat unexpected success last season, but in order to sustain it, improvement must still be made.

First order of business is what to do with free agent Kyle Lowry. The point guard was remarkable last season, but is an unrestricted free agent. Toronto would love to have him back since he was a vital part of the Atlantic Division champs.

Backup point guard Greivis Vasquez, who played crunchtime minutes for the Raptors, is also not under contract for next season.

That might make point guard a huge priority in the first round.

Marcus Smart, Dante Exum and now even Elfrid Payton should be all be gone by the time the draft reaches No. 20. That leaves Syracuse's Tyler Ennis, or Connecticut's Shabazz Napier.

Both should be very good pros. Both handle the ball well and aren't afraid of big moments. Ennis is bigger, younger and has a higher ceiling, but Napier is more ready now.

The Raptors could shock everyone and draft a wing to go with DeMar DeRozan. P.J. Hairston, or Clemson's K.J. McDaniels might make sense if Rodney Hood and James Young are already off the board.

Players Under Contract: G DeMar DeRozan; G/F John Salmons; F Amir Johnson; F Landry Fields; C/F Chuck Hayes; F Steve Novak; C Jonas Valanciunas; F Tyler Hansbrough; F Terrence Ross; G Julyan Stone

Free agents: G Kyle Lowry; G Greivis Vasquez; F Patrick Patterson; G Nando De Colo

Recent Draft History: 2013: No picks

2012: Terrence Ross (8), Quincy Acy (37), Tomislav Zubcic (56)

2011: Jonas Valanciunas (5)

2010: Ed Davis (13)

2009: DeMar DeRozan (9)