​With the 2026-27 NBA season still more than three months away, the Toronto Raptors have already laid the groundwork for a comeback that echoes the team’s 2019-era dominance in the Eastern Conference. They selected forward Allen Graves with the 19th overall pick from Santa Clara University, signaling a clear vote of confidence in a new core. Additionally, the signing of second-round pick Jaden Bradley to a two-way deal on Monday underscored the organization’s early belief in its rising group of players. As Summer League action set to begin in Las Vegas, here are several key members of the 16-man roster to watch closely.
Allen Graves is a 19-year-old forward standing 6-foot-8 who carved out a name for himself in his one collegiate season with the Broncos. He averaged 11.8 points, led the team with 6.5 rebounds per game, and added 1.9 steals per contest in about 22.6 minutes per night. Graves had a breakout performance in Santa Clara’s 86-82 upset of Washington State during the WCC Tournament Quarterfinals, dropping a season-high 30 points while collecting 13 rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Even though the Broncos’ run ended with an overtime defeat to Kentucky, 89-84, Graves still posted 17 points and seven rebounds and went 6-for-6 from the free-throw line in that game. His combination of length, energy, and defensive instincts should help him carve out a significant role as he develops in the Raptors’ system.
Collin Murray-Boyles burst onto the scene in his first NBA season, finishing third on Toronto in scoring with 14.4 points per game. He also tied RJ Barrett for the team lead in steals at 1.3 per game and emerged as the club’s second-leading rebounder, averaging 6.4 boards per game. Although Toronto fell in the first round to Cleveland, Murray-Boyles delivered a standout performance in Game 3, tallying 22 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, while shooting an efficient field-goal percentage. Given the flashes of potential he displayed this season, Murray-Boyles is expected to receive more opportunities in the rotation as the Raptors look to strengthen their wing and secondary-ball-handling options in the coming year.
Nate Bittle, a 7-foot center, put together a strong final season at Oregon, posting 16.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. Even in a notable December 21 loss to Gonzaga, he poured in 28 points with nine rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and one steal, showcasing a well-rounded inside-out game and the ability to impact both ends of the floor. Bittle also posted solid numbers during the 2024-25 season, finishing with 14.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 1.9 assists per game. Over five years with the Ducks, his production progressed from 1.7 points as a freshman to 7.3, then 10 points per game in subsequent seasons. The Raptors project that Bittle can develop into a reliable insurance option, providing much-needed center depth to complement Jakob Poeltl as the team looks to balance its frontcourt rotation.
Jamarion Sharp, a 7-foot-5 center from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, joined Ole Miss for his final collegiate season after a standout high school career. He averaged 3.3 points per game in his last year with the Rebels but made his impact felt on the defensive end, posting 2.4 blocks per game and 2.3 defensive rebounds per contest. Sharp’s height, reach, and shot-altering presence give him the potential to be a steady rim protector and a disruptive force in pick-and-roll situations. His combination of length and shot-blocking prowess could allow him to carve out a niche role on the Raptors’ bench, especially as Toronto values defensive-minded bigs who can anchor the second unit.
As Toronto moves toward a season that could redefine its competitive arc, these young players—Graves, Murray-Boyles, Bittle, and Sharp—represent the pillars of the team’s early-trajectory confidence. The organization appears to be assembling a versatile, multi-positional group capable of contributing in myriad ways, from scoring and playmaking to rim protection and defense. With Summer League giving them a platform to showcase their development and chemistry, the Raptors will be watching closely to see how these players adapt to the pace, physicality, and demands of pro basketball, and whether their performances translate into meaningful minutes and increased roles during the regular season.