When the Toronto Raptors selected Allen Graves with the No. 19 pick, a sense of uncertainty radiated across the fanbase. It was reminiscent of when the Raptors picked Collin Murray-Boyles with the ninth-overall pick nearly a year ago.
But just like with Murray-Boyles, the Raptors found a way to add a young player who will eventually play meaningful minutes and produce in significant moments during future playoff runs. Graves is the type of player who would have easily meshed and played clutch minutes with the 2025-26 New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.
Here are two reasons why:
Defensive Versatility
While Graves’ offence is what could potentially tip post-season outcomes in the Raptors’ favour, it’ll be his defence that keeps him on the floor. Graves averaged 1.9 steals and 0.9 blocks in only 22.6 minutes per game. While he isn’t an explosive athlete, Graves is six-foot-nine and boasts a seven-foot wingspan. The youngster doesn’t turn 20 until July 28 and yet he already understands how to weaponize his positioning and instincts. It fits perfectly on a Raptors team that finished third in deflections per game (18.4).
“When you watch him play, the disruptiveness on the defensive end that really stood out,” said General Manager and vice-president Bobby Webster immediately after the draft.
Like with any rookie, there’ll be rough patches in Graves’ first season in the league. But the front-office is enamoured by his potential on the defensive side of the ball.
“I see him wreaking havoc with CMB,” added Webster.
Graves echoed that sentiment numerous times during his press conference availability. He referenced priding himself on “deflections” and “steals”, while expressing an admiration for defensive geniuses Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles.
“The defensive side of the ball is something I really want to focus on,” said Graves.
There’s a realistic future where opposing ball-handlers must deal with Barnes, Murray-Boyles, and Graves switching on screens or lurking in passing lanes.
Complete Offensive Ceiling
Unlike other prospects taken in this draft range, Graves has produced evidence that he can do anything an auxiliary option on a contender should be able to do. He knocked down 41.3 per cent of his three-point attempts. He crashes the offensive glass (2.8 per game) and doesn’t turn the ball over (0.7 turnovers). As a former point guard, Graves’ vision, IQ, and playmaking chops set him up to be a valuable connector, particularly in short-clock situations.
Expect Head Coach Darko Rajakovic to deploy him as a mystery box type of screener, adding a level of unpredictability in screening actions that the Raptors don’t necessarily have. Graves showcased a growing comfort level in this role, experiencing success both as a roller and a popper. Webster highlighted Graves’ “high-process” during the post-draft press conference. It consistently shows when Graves makes secondary decisions after setting a pick.
These are skills that can’t be schemed against in the playoffs. When defences force the ball out of Barnes’ or Ingram’s hands, the hope is that it’s swung to someone incapable of consistently making the right decision or with a limited skill set. Graves projects as someone who is the opposite of that.
Like with Murray Boyles, Raptors fans will realize that soon enough.
