​In the 2026 NBA Draft, only two players were selected directly from mid-major programs. Santa Clara’s Allen Graves went No. 19 to the Toronto Raptors, while South Florida’s Izaiyah Nelson, selected No. 51, had his draft rights traded to Orlando. Yet a Mid-Major Reacts survey suggests that Graves and Nelson could have an equal impact in the ongoing NBA Summer League, each receiving 50% of the votes despite Graves being a top-20 pick and Nelson among the final ten selections. Graves enters the NBA with higher expectations, but Nelson likely has more at stake in Las Vegas. Graves signed a four-year contract worth $19.7 million, with more than $8 million guaranteed. Nelson also earned an NBA deal, but it was a two-way contract.
Graves burst onto the draft scene during a single standout season at Santa Clara. He earned WCC Sixth Man and Freshman of the Year honors as a redshirt freshman and was part of the Broncos’ first NCAA tournament appearance in 30 years. Although he came off the bench in college, Graves climbed boards due to his defensive versatility and offensive consistency, becoming Herb Sendek’s third first-round selection in five years. In his Summer League debut, Graves reinforced his potential by posting a 22-point performance, going 9-for-16 from the field and 3-for-8 from three-point range. He also grabbed 13 rebounds, including five on the offensive end, blocked two shots, and recorded three steals. His all-around play showcased him as a versatile defender who could translate his offense into a long, productive NBA career if he continues to develop on that two-way skill set. While it is certainly premature to draw definitive conclusions about his long-term trajectory, Graves’ first showing in Las Vegas was as encouraging as anyone could hope.
Nelson presents a less obvious NBA path, but he possesses the physical tools to be a valuable rotational big if he lands in the right situation. He isn’t a threat on the perimeter offensively, but he improved across four college seasons and emerged as a draft prospect after averages of 15.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. Nelson made the jump from Arkansas State to South Florida under coach Brian Hodgson, and that move ultimately earned him NBA draft consideration. Now, with the Summer League beginning, he must prove he belongs at the next level. With limited perimeter scoring, Nelson will need to lean into what he does best: energetic, high-level rebounding and versatile defending, while gaining traction offensively through solid screens and athletic finishes around the rim. There is a path for Nelson to carve out a place in the NBA, though it is not as straightforward as Graves’ route. Still, he has his foot in the door, and the early Summer League action highlighted his potential to contribute, even if his first game was modest—two points, six rebounds (including two on the offensive end), one steal, and one blocked shot. With continued work and development, Nelson could establish himself as a trusted role player.
As the Summer League unfolds, Graves’ résumé and performance so far suggest a higher ceiling and clearer immediate impact, reinforced by his development and the four-year deal he secured. Nelson’s journey is undeniably tougher, but his physical tools and relentless energy provide a plausible pathway to a steady NBA role if he can translate his strengths into consistent production and refine his offensive repertoire. The landscape remains speculative, but both players have shown enough to keep their teams and fans intrigued about what they might achieve on the professional stage.