The Toronto Raptors took a bit of a swing at No. 19 overall when they picked Allen Graves, but two games into NBA Las Vegas Summer League, he’s making that choice look a lot more sensible.
Graves arrived with a clear pitch: hit open threes, use his basketball IQ, and help create extra possessions. So far, he’s delivered on all of it. In his first Summer League outing, he flashed the full package, finishing with 22 points, 13 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks while going 3-for-8 from deep.
The rebounding stood out just as much as the scoring. Five of those 13 boards came on the offensive glass, giving Toronto extra chances to keep plays alive and extend possessions.
On defense, Graves also chipped in five stocks, using smart positioning to disrupt opponents and cut down their shot opportunities. That kind of play is exactly what drew the Raptors’ front office to him before the draft.
His second game was quieter, but it still fit the same profile. Graves scored nine points on 4-for-7 shooting, knocked down one three-pointer, and added one steal. The chances weren’t there as often, but he still showed the knack for being in the right spot at the right time.
Through two games, Graves hasn’t looked like a superstar. He has looked like what Toronto said he was: a smart, useful player who can defend, rebound, and make open shots. If that carries over into the regular season, the Raptors may have found a rookie who can help right away off the bench.
Toronto still has two guaranteed Summer League games left, and if Graves keeps stacking smart defensive plays with steady shooting, there’s plenty for Raptors fans to feel good about.
In Other News...
Clippers Fans Suddenly Have A Real Reason To Worry About Kawhi
Kawhi Leonards potential return to Toronto has quickly become one of the most intriguing twists of the offseason, with the Raptors agreeing to bring back the former Finals MVP in a deal that would send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and draft compensation to the Clippers. It is the kind of move that instantly changes the conversation around a franchise, especially for a fan base that already knows exactly what Leonard can mean when the stakes rise.
For now, though, the reunion is sitting in limbo while the NBA reviews Leonards salary cap situation. Even with the uncertainty hanging over the transaction, there is still a sense around the deal that both sides expect it to eventually get across the finish line, which is why Torontos interest in Leonard has not cooled despite the delay. [Read more 🡒]
Raptors May Need Summer League To Solve A Problem Fast
If the Kawhi Leonard trade is completed and he signs the expected extension, the Raptors will be staring at a much tighter financial picture than they are used to. That kind of squeeze makes the margins around the roster even smaller, which is why Summer League suddenly matters a lot more than usual. Toronto is trying to build around a projected starting group of Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Leonard, Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl, but the bigger question is how the rest of the team gets filled in without much room to spend.
The concern goes beyond just finding bodies. The Raptors already look thin in the middle, and the injury risk attached to several key pieces only raises the stakes for getting the back end of the roster right. So while Summer League often serves as a development stop, it may also be one of the few real chances Toronto has to identify affordable young players who can handle actual minutes when the season starts. [Read more 🡒]
Raptors Could Lose Another Homegrown Gem For A Brutal Reason
Jamal Shead has already shown why he matters to Toronto, carving out a real role during the 2025-26 season and then taking on even more responsibility in the playoffs. When Immanuel Quickley was injured, Shead started four postseason games, logged heavy minutes and made his presence felt on both ends, the kind of homegrown development the Raptors have long valued.
The problem is that the business side may not line up with the basketball side. Michael Granger noted that Torontos payroll is becoming increasingly top-heavy, and if Kawhi Leonard signs a two-year extension, the Raptors could find themselves with limited flexibility when Shead reaches restricted free agency after the 2026-27 season. Toronto would have the right to match outside offers, but whether it can actually afford to do so is the part that could turn a promising internal success story into a difficult roster decision. [Read more 🡒]