When you look at Allen Graves, or watch his game film, it doesn't exactly scream "dynamic NBA prospect." He didn't test well athletically at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine, his measurements weren't overwhelmingly impressive, but I believe there has to be a decent amount of credit given to players for simply being good at basketball. 

Over his lone year at Santa Clara, Graves averaged a modest 22.6 minutes per game.

In those 22.6 MPG, Graves put up averages of 11.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.8 APG (vs. 0.7 turnovers per game) and a combined 2.8 steals + blocks per game, with 51%/41%/75% shooting splits. 

If you're into analytics like I am, then the numbers say Graves is absolutely a lottery level prospect who will probably be drafted too low. If you aren't overly  concerned with analytics and are more eye-test oriented, Graves looks like a helpful player but not necessarily a high-ceiling prospect. 

I believe Graves is the perfect type of prospect for the type of roster I believe the Bulls are building under new Executive VP of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham. 

Graves doesn't have exceptional length, but a +3 wingspan and an 8-foot-10 standing reach ease any of the concerns about him being able to play as true power forward at the NBA level. Now, let's get into why the unassuming Graves will be a difference-maker at the next level. 

The biggest reason Graves would succeed in Chicago is that he is a player who can add value to your offense without having the ball in his hands. He had a solid but not "star-player-esque" 21% usage rate at Santa Clara. Among qualified players, Graves was fourth on his squad in usage rate. He primarily came off the bench for Santa Clara head coach Herb Sendek. 

Coming off of the bench didn't stop Graves from making his impact early and often. Graves is an excellent screener, using his great footwork to roll, pop or slip the screen depending on how the defense tries to guard him. 

He’s a capable floor spacer, hitting 41% of his 3-pointers (2.6 attempts per game) and has great touch, which is evident in his FT shooting (75%, 3.2 FTAs per game). 

If Graves executes a pick-and-pop and has a lumbering big man trying to get back to him, his timing is impeccable in terms of when to cut to the basket to receive an open look. In fact, I would go as far as to say that finding soft spots in the defense is Graves' special skill on offense. 

Whether he is spotting up in the corner, posting up to get to his hookshot, or setting screens, Graves is always looking for simple ways to get his team a good shot. Graves isn't a player who I believe can necessarily take over a game with his scoring, but the lack of mistakes means he will likely develop into a player you can always feel comfortable leaving on the floor regardless of who else is out there. 

Per 40 minutes Graves averaged 3.2 assists and 1.3 turnovers, showcasing a player who has great processing and feel for the game, but simply didn't get a large amount of opportunities to showcase his playmaking, something I believe we will see a lot more of at the NBA level. 

Graves is a prospect I repeatedly refer to as "helpful," and it is because he adds value to your roster without bringing much with him in terms of weaknesses or negatives.

We already discussed how he doesn't turn the ball over or take bad shots on offense, when you add in the defensive playmaking, it's quite easy to see why the analytics (and presumably, many NBA front offices) love Graves.

Per 40 minutes Graves averages 3.4 steals and 1.7 blocks. He has quick hands and great anticipation in terms of weakside defense. 

Graves is deceptively strong, and can put up a decent fight when fronting or denying big men from receiving post entry passes. He uses his 8-foot-10 standing reach to challenge every shot with great verticality. He does play extremely physical, sometimes to his detriment, collecting 3.1 personal fouls per game. 

Graves is very effective when allowed to "show" or hard hedge on pick-and-roll defense, having the speed, length and flexibility to slow down ballhandlers on the perimeter and get back to his original man.

Out of all the talents available at 15th overall, Graves may not be the most exciting, but he is almost certain to be one of the most productive.