The Toronto Raptors didn't hunt for highlight-reel dunks or blazing speed at the 19th pick in the NBA Draft. They chose a 19-year-old who came off the bench for Santa Clara.
If you look closely at the numbers, Allen Graves makes perfect sense for a front office that targets high-IQ talent.
Toronto grabbed the six-foot-nine forward right after returning to the postseason. The Raptors love players who impact winning without dominating the ball. Graves fits that exact mold. He started just four out of 35 games for the Broncos last season. Yet, his statistical profile jumped off the page for NBA executives who obsess over efficiency.
The Math Behind Toronto Selection
Traditional scouting reports might ding Graves for his lack of elite vertical pop. He ran a 3.44-second three-quarter court sprint at the combine. That won't turn heads. His 27.5-inch no-step vertical didn't shock anyone either.
The tracking data tells a completely different story.
Graves put together a spectacular statistical campaign as a redshirt freshman. He averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in only 22.6 minutes per game. When you scale those numbers out, his production looks elite. He shot 51.2% from the floor and 41.3% from beyond the arc. He rarely turns the ball over, coughing it up just 0.7 times per contest.
Allen Graves 2025-26 Season Stats
Points: 11.8
Rebounds: 6.5
Steals: 1.9
Blocks: 0.9
FG%: 51.2%
3PT%: 41.3%
He managed a 5% block rate and a 5% steal rate while playing in the West Coast Conference. He recorded 67 total steals. That tied for the most among all NCAA Division I freshmen last season. He has a massive seven-foot wingspan. He uses that length to disrupt passing lanes rather than flying above the rim.
Fitting Into the Frontcourt Mix
Fans wondering how he fits next to Scottie Barnes can relax. Graves won't demand isolated touches. He does his damage through relocation, smart cutting, and hitting open shots. He ranked in the 99th percentile in offensive rebounding rate by using great positioning.
He secured the WCC Freshman of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year awards for a reason. He knows how to change the flow of a game immediately after checking in.
He showed his ceiling in a massive February road win against Washington State. He dropped 30 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. He carried that momentum right into the NCAA tournament, scoring 17 points against Kentucky.
He isn't a finished product. He needs to add strength to battle true NBA power forwards inside. He finished just 52% of his layups last year, which shows his athletic limitations around length.
Toronto chose to prioritize basketball feel over raw athletic tools. Graves gives them a reliable floor-spacer who plays defense and values every single possession.
Watch his Santa Clara tape to see how quickly he processes the game. You'll understand exactly why the front office pounced when he was still on the board at 19.
