Raptors Select Allen Graves With No. 19 Pick

The Raptors have used their first-round decide at No. 19 to draft ahead Allen Graves.

Graves solely began 4 of 35 video games throughout his first and solely school season, however he was a invaluable reserve for Santa Clara, averaging 11.8 factors, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.8 assists in 22.6 minutes per contest. The 19-year-old additionally had a strong capturing line of .512/.413/.750 and received a pair of awards, having been named the WCC’s Freshman of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year.

Having determined to check the draft waters this spring, Graves wasn’t essentially seen as a first-round lock on the time he declared, however he improved his inventory throughout the pre-draft course of – regardless of displaying underwhelming athleticism throughout mix testing – and opted to forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility to go professional. Graves is an analytics darling who is claimed to have really feel for the sport on either side of the ball.

A late riser within the draft course of due partially to his sturdy analytical profile, Graves suits a lot of what Toronto tends to search for of their prospects, with good positional dimension, fascinating passing means, and defensive versatility.

He shot nicely this season from three, though it was on low quantity, and there are nonetheless questions on his mechanics and the velocity at which he will get his shot off that can must be addressed earlier than his jumper is seen as an actual weapon. The Raptors may use their potential as a flooring spacer from the ahead spot, although, as they ranked twenty sixth in three makes an attempt and made this season.

Between Graves, Scottie Barnesand rookie Collin Murray-Boylesthe Raptors have assembled an intriguing assortment of versatile forwards who can play a number of positions and contribute in a number of methods on either side of the ground alongside the remainder of their roster.