What can previous drafts tell us about the Toronto Raptors two picks in the 2020 NBA Draft?

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For the first time since 2016, the Toronto Raptors have multiple picks in a single draft.

Selecting with the No. 29 and 59 overall picks in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Raptors have a chance to add some under-the-radar talent that we've seen thrive in this organization time and time again.

There have been eight instances in Toronto's franchise history where they've selected at or around the picks they have this year. Take a look at how that panned out for them in the past:

History of Raptors selections near 2020 draft slots
Year Round Pick Player Position
2019 2 59 Dewan Hernandez C/F
2017 1 23 OG Anunoby F
2016 1 27 Pascal Siakam F
2014 2 59 Xavier Thames G
2012 2 56 Tomislav Zubcic F
2006 2 56 Edin Bavcic C/F
2005 2 58 Uros Slokar C
2003 2 52 Remon Van de Hare C

While the list of players is largely unfamiliar, there are two clear names that jump off the page: Siakam and Anunoby.

Four years later, Siakam is coming off of his first All-Star appearance and All-NBA nod of his career, turning into one of the cornerstones of the Raptors franchise. As for Anunoby, his future is as bright as ever after a breakout postseason where his efforts nearly helped Toronto advance to their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals.

MORE: The case for and against OG Anunoby's contract extension

It goes to show that even with a late first-round pick like the 29th overall selection, there are still overlooked players that will slip through the cracks but can turn into a key part of a team's development.

Unfortunately for the Raptors, the rest of the list – all second-round picks – had/have played in a combined six (!) NBA games, with all six of those coming from last year's selection in Hernandez. The remaining five second-round picks never stepped foot on an NBA court.

While hopes aren't always high for the development of that late second round pick, if there's a team that could turn that selection into a diamond in the rough, Toronto would be a great candidate.

With that being said, take a look at the list of names drafted at the No. 29 and 59 picks over the last 10 years.

No. 29 and 59 overall draft picks
Year Pick No. 29 Pick No. 59
2019 Keldon Johnson Dewan Hernandez
2018 Dzanan Musa George King
2017 Derrick White Jaron Blossomgame
2016 Dejounte Murray Isaiah Cousins
2015 Chris McCullough Dimitrios Agravanis
2014 Josh Huestis Xavier Thames
2013 Archie Goodwin Bojan Dubljevic
2012 Marquis Teague Marcus Denmon
2011 Cory Joseph Adam Hanga
2010 Daniel Orton Stanley Robinson

There's a clear common theme with the names that pop out on this list – the San Antonio Spurs are consistent in finding guard talent at that No. 29 pick. Could that possibly be something the Raptors look to replicate with Fred VanVleet's free agency decision looming?

Derrick White, Dejounte Murray and Cory Joseph have all proved to be valuable NBA players, each in their own way. Toronto would be lucky to strike gold on a player of that calibre with that pick this year.

That list doesn't bolster their odds at pick No. 59, but again, you never know.

Nonetheless, it'll be worth tuning in to the 2020 NBA Draft as the Raptors aim to add depth to their already talented roster.

The 2020 NBA Draft is currently slated to take place on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Stick with NBA.com for comprehensive coverage leading up to the draft.

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Kyle Irving is an NBA content producer for The Sporting News.