After wrapping up the 2025-26 season with a somewhat underwhelming finish, the Toronto Raptors are setting their sights on a fresh start. The 2026 NBA Draft presented a prime opportunity for the Raptors to retool and enhance their roster. With just two picks to their name this year-one in the first round and another in the second-the Raptors had to make them count.
True to their unique drafting philosophy, the Raptors made some intriguing choices. In the first round, with the 19th pick, they selected forward Allen Graves.
Then, in the second round, they chose guard Jaden Bradley. Let's dive into these picks and assess how the Raptors fared.
It's almost become a tradition for the Raptors to draft a versatile forward standing between 6'7 and 6'9. This preference harks back to the mid-2010s with selections like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. The Raptors' affinity for long, athletic forwards who can contribute across the board is well-known.
Scottie Barnes, the fourth overall pick in 2021, epitomizes this archetype-a forward with guard-like skills. While Barnes has become the multi-talented player the Raptors envisioned, their recent playoff run highlighted a need for more shooting prowess around him.
Enter Allen Graves, who could be the perfect complement to this roster. Graves fits the Raptors' mold as a defensive-minded forward capable of guarding multiple positions and using his length to disrupt opposing offenses.
Additionally, he impressed with a 41.3% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, showcasing potential as an elite floor-spacer in the NBA. His knack for offensive rebounding, despite being undersized for a big, adds another dimension to his game.
Sure, the Raptors could have considered other options, perhaps a big man to fill the void left by Poeltl's lackluster season. However, with no appealing bigs available and a lack of enthusiasm for the remaining guards, Graves appears to be a solid fit moving forward.
The Raptors have consistently prioritized defensive prowess, a hallmark of their identity since clinching their first championship. From the days of Nick Nurse to the current leadership of Darko Rajakovic, defense has been their calling card.
It's no shock, then, that the Raptors opted for another defense-oriented player in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft. Jaden Bradley, one of the older prospects in this year's class, slipped to the Raptors but brings a potentially higher floor that aligns with Toronto's playoff ambitions.
Like Graves, Bradley's standout skill is his defense. Last season, he was one of the most relentless defenders at Arizona, displaying strength and tenacity. Offensively, Bradley contributes as a distributor in the pick-and-roll and a reliable spot-up shooter.
Bradley isn't expected to be the primary scoring guard, nor does he need to be. With teammates like Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and Brandon Ingram orchestrating the offense, Bradley can focus on his strengths: harassing opposing guards and serving as an offensive release valve when necessary.
In summary, the Raptors have stuck to their blueprint, enhancing their roster with players who embody their defensive ethos while adding much-needed shooting and versatility. As they prepare for another playoff push, these new additions could be pivotal in their pursuit of success.
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