​The NBA Summer League is in full swing, and the Toronto Raptors are entering the event with a debut against the Boston Celtics. Leading the floor will be All-Rookie Team selection Collin Murray-Boyles, although he will miss the first game due to a finger sprain. He will be joined by the newest draft picks, Allen Graves (No. 19) and Jaden Bradley (No. 50). Graves has quickly become a focal point for Toronto after his name was called, drawing attention as one of the draft’s analytical darlings. He arrives with high expectations because the Raptors seemed to have avoided the most obvious positional gaps. It was clear that upgrading at point guard and center was a priority, with potential stars like Labaron Philon Jr. (guard), Jayden Quaintance (center), and Chris Cenac Jr. (center) available around No. 19. Graves, a forward, entering a roster that already includes Scottie Barnes, Kawhi Leonard, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Kyle Anderson, surprised some by being selected at that spot.
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Despite the concerns some fans harbored about Graves’ selection, the former Santa Clara Bronco is determined to prove his place. He spoke with The Athletic’s Esfandiar Baraheni ahead of his Summer League debut, and a central topic was what he learned during the pre-draft process. “How I compared to other players, that was the biggest thing,” Graves said. “Knowing that I belong. I’ve always believed in my abilities, even when people doubted me after my freshman year. I didn’t even start a couple of games, but I knew I could prove them wrong, and I would prove them wrong.” Graves discusses his path to the Raptors, the Summer League experience, and even a few breakfast conversations in various interviews, underscoring the growing identity he has begun to forge among Raptors fans who were unfamiliar with him.
Heading into his rookie season, Graves—who earned the title of WCC Sixth Man of the Year—has impressed when speaking with the media and has generated numerous interviews with NBA figures and Raptors insiders. He has established a clear focus on defense, determining his role within the team, and making winning plays, which bodes well for the organization. The Raptors do not expect him to become a superstar in a lineup that already features two-time All-Star Barnes, two-time champion and Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, and a rising RJ Barrett. If Graves can capitalize on open looks when they appear, and if he works diligently to secure extra possessions through defense, loose balls, and rebounding, he stands to make a meaningful impact on a team aiming to return to championship contention.
Graves’ development will be key to how Toronto navigates a competitive landscape, and his work ethic, combined with the opportunities afforded by Summer League play, could help him translate his strong confidence into tangible on-court results. As he acclimates to the pro level, the focus will be on defense, role clarity, and sustainable contributions, ensuring that his presence remains a positive factor for a Raptors squad eyeing sustained success.