There's not much you can do from the 20th position in an NBA draft.

With that in mind, the Toronto Raptors had a remarkable evening.

This team has committed to improving its defence, so that it can get more in line with coach Dwane Casey's strengths.

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The first move in that regard was trading away back-up point guard Greivis Vasquez. The Venezuelan was an offensive sparkplug, a defensive liability and a runaway boulder just about everywhere. He was also due to make $6.5-million in the final year of his deal.

Early in the evening, Vasquez was moved to the Milwaukee Bucks for their lottery-protected first pick in the 2017 draft (meaning Toronto can do no better than 15th). They also got the 46th pick in this draft.

The Raptors now have four first-round draft picks in the next two years.

It's not yet clear how much cap space the Raptors will have this summer. It depends on how many free agents are renounced, but it could be in the $20-25-million range. That puts them in the conversation for some very big names. At least, financially.

Grizzlies centre Marc Gasol would be the (highly unlikely) dream get, but Casey favourites like Paul Millsap and DeMarre Carroll are more realistic targets.

As immediate cover for Vasquez, the Raptors drafted University of Utah guard Delon Wright in the 20th spot. By U.S. college standards, Wright is a veteran at 23 years old. His brother, Dorell, is an eleven-year NBA veteran. Between his age and his connections, he won't be as awed as most by the pro environment.

Wright is known for his defence, smarts and usefulness in the pick and roll. What he can't do yet is shoot from distance. He can play right now, though the Raptors will continue to pursue free-agent options until he proves it.

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"He has tremendous upside as a point guard in the NBA, reminds of me of (Seattle Supersonics star) Nate McMillan, as far as a big, long point guard," said Casey. "He really fits in to what we're trying to do."

It isn't a big move, but once again, GM Masai Ujiri has flipped a depreciating asset for the opportunity to shore up the roster. He also added a player who could become a useful piece. With the 46th pick, he took another player known for his defence, UCLA's Norman Powell. At that point, who knows?

Considering the weakness of their position going in to the evening, the cumulative haul makes the Raptors one of the draft's winners.

It was also a moderately successful evening for Canada, since we're coming off two consecutive first-overall picks.

Two Canadians were chosen, and both by the Utah Jazz – Saskatoon's Trey Lyles (12th) and Aylmer, Quebec's Olivier Hanlan (42nd)