Raptors Draft Future Wing
Toronto Raptors Select Allen Graves 19th Overall, Bolstering Roster with Versatile Wing
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Key Points
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Graves averaged 0.9 blocks per game and 1.9 steals per game, with about 22.6 minutes per game across 35 regular-season appearances as a freshman at Santa Clara in 2025-26.
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He started four games in his lone college season, signaling early versatility at forward positions for potential role flexibility in Toronto.
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The Raptors went 46-36 last season, finished fifth in the Eastern Conference, and were eliminated in seven games by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs.
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Toronto also drafted Florida guard Alijah Martin with the 39th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, continuing a multi-pick strategy to bolster its rotation.
The Toronto Raptors selected Santa Clara forward Allen Graves with the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23, making him the third Bronco taken in the first round since 2022. Graves, a 19-year-old wing, averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game in his freshman season — earning both WCC Freshman of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year honors. Sportsnet reported that GM Bobby Webster called him "one of the better two-way players in the draft."
Graves arrives in Toronto after a lightning-fast rise from unranked Louisiana recruit to lottery-range prospect. He measured 6'7.75" barefoot with a 7'0" wingspan at the NBA Draft Combine, according to NBADraft.net. His 41.3% shooting from three and elite defensive instincts made him a favorite of analytics-driven front offices.
From Louisiana High School Star to Top-20 Pick
Graves won Louisiana's "Mr. Basketball" award in March 2024 after leading Ponchatoula High to back-to-back state titles, according to Sports Illustrated. He chose Santa Clara over Power Five programs, following the path of Jalen Williams and Brandin Podziemski. He redshirted his true freshman year to rebuild his body and transition from a point-forward role to a modern NBA wing.
His breakout came on February 7, 2026, when he dropped 30 points and 14 rebounds against Washington State. He finished the season with 35 appearances, 22.6 minutes per game, and a 51.2% field goal rate. Forbes noted that Santa Clara's ability to develop "late bloomers" like Graves has quietly made the program one of the NBA's most reliable pipelines.
Graves Is Built for Toronto's Two-Way Wing System
Webster told reporters Graves' mix of shooting and defense is "a rare combination at his size." His 1.9 steals and 0.9 blocks per game ranked among the best in the WCC. He also posted a 2.57-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, placing him in the top five among WCC forwards, per RealGM.
Analysts say Graves fits neatly behind Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett as a low-usage, high-impact wing. WQAD reported he is "designed for the modern NBA" — a player who spaces the floor, guards multiple positions, and does not need the ball to contribute. Santa Clara coach Herb Sendek called him a "winner" with "uncommon basketball IQ for his age."
Raptors Fans Push Back on Yet Another Wing Pick
Not everyone in Toronto was thrilled. Sports Illustrated reported that fans reacted negatively to the pick, with many arguing the Raptors bypassed bigger needs at center and point guard. Critics pointed to Arkansas' Philon as a missed opportunity. Some local media labeled the front office "Spreadsheet FC" for leaning too hard on analytics over raw athleticism.
Scouts also flagged physical concerns. Graves posted a 27.5-inch no-step vertical — below average for an NBA wing, according to NBADraft.net. CBS Sports noted he has "heavier feet" and struggled guarding quicker guards in college. Those factors led some evaluators to label him a "high-floor, low-ceiling" prospect.
A Cost-Controlled Piece in Toronto's Rebuild Push
As the 19th pick, Graves will sign a four-year rookie scale deal worth roughly $15.8 million, with the first two years guaranteed, per RealGM. That cost-controlled contract matters for a Raptors team nearing the luxury tax line after extending its core players. The Raptors went 46-36 last season before losing to Cleveland in seven games in the first round.
Toronto also holds the 50th pick in this draft and added Alijah Martin with the 39th pick in 2025 and Collin Murray-Boyles the same year. Masai Ujiri's stated vision of building a roster around versatile 6'8" and 6'9" wings is driving each move, according to The Athletic. Graves fits that blueprint exactly.
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