The Toronto Raptors were on the clock on Tuesday and selected Allen Graves in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Toronto Raptors used the No. 19 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Allen Graves, a 6-foot-7.75, 226-pound power forward out of Santa Clara.
Graves, a 19-year-old freshman, gives Toronto another young frontcourt piece after a season in which the Raptors returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2022, enjoyed the best season of Scottie Barnesā career and witnessed the emergence of former first-round pick Collin Murray-Boyles as one of the most promising young players in the league.
Santa Clara made its return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 30 years and Graves played a significant role in it. Despite coming off the bench, Graves produced one of the more efficient all-around freshman seasons in this class. He averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.9 blocks in 22.6 minutes per game, while shooting 51.2% from the field and 41.3% from three.
Graves was the only player this season to post an assist-to-turnover ratio of at least 1.5, a block percentage of at least 4, and a steal percentage of at least 4. His 4.9 steal percentage and 4.9 block percentage point to a level of defensive playmaking that is rare for a forward his size. He also finished sixth nationally in box plus-minus as a freshman, despite playing in a bench role in the West Coast Conference.
Graves is from Ponchatoula, Louisiana, where he starred at Ponchatoula High School. As a senior, he averaged 20.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.3 blocks, while shooting 69.5 percent from the field, and was named the 2023-24 Gatorade Louisiana Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
He projects as a smart, versatile team defender with a strong frame, good instincts and the ability to contribute without needing the ball. He also rebounds at a high level. Gravesā style of play has drawn comparisons to former Defensive Player of the Year and future Hall of Famer, Draymond Green. His 6.5 rebounds in 22.6 minutes per game translate to 10.4 rebounds per 36 minutes, and he posted a 13.8 percent offensive rebounding rate.
Put next to Murray-Boyles, the Raptors now have two young forwards who can rebound, defend multiple positions and make plays on that end.
While Graves brings all the defensive intensity the Raptors could ask for, there are also parts of his game that will need to improve significantly, like his slow three-point release and foul trouble issues.
Still, the Raptors have found a player they believe will contribute significantly to their championship push in the future. Assistant general manager Dan Tolzman revealed before the draft the Raptors were prioritizing two-way players with toughness and character, and Graves fits that profile all too well.
