TORONTO – Allen Graves approached his first media session with the Toronto Raptors with the courtesy of a seasoned veteran, personally greeting each reporter before taking his seat. The 20-year-old forward, selected 19th overall this past summer from Santa Clara University, demonstrated the same meticulous professionalism that has defined his brief basketball journey thus far.
“Whatever the plan is for me, I’m ready and willing,” Graves said after practice at the OVO Athletic Centre. “Just hopefully whatever it may be, I’m just going to take every opportunity I get and just run with it.”
Award-Winning College Pedigree
Despite redshirting his initial season at Santa Clara, Graves made an immediate impact when he finally took the court. His breakout campaign saw him average 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, while also contributing 1.9 steals and 0.9 blocks. Those numbers earned him dual recognition as the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year – a testament to his versatility and basketball IQ.
His path to the NBA wasn’t without its detours. The redshirt year proved instrumental in his development, teaching him the value of patience and preparation that he now carries into his professional career.
Realistic Expectations for Rookie Season
Graves faces a steep climb to earn meaningful minutes during his rookie campaign. The Raptors’ starting five appears set with Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Jakob Poeltl anchoring the lineup. Even the bench unit presents stiff competition, with Collin Murray-Boyles, Jamal Shead and Ja’Kobe Walter likely ahead of him in the pecking order.
However, the young forward remains undeterred by the challenge ahead. “Whatever they see as the best plan for me this year is fine,” he explained. “Redshirt years have always benefited me, at Santa Clara, I took a redshirt year. Obviously, I want to be out there on the court with those guys. I want to be playing with Scottie and playing with those guys.”
“If they say the best fit is 905 or whatever it may be, and bring me in later, then that’s what it is.”
Coach Recognises Professional Approach
Head coach Darko Rajakovic has already taken notice of Graves’ methodical approach to his craft. “He’s been talking to his teammates a lot, trying to pick up on everything, every time,” Rajakovic observed. “When we went to the game on the road he was the first on the bus.”
The coach praised Graves’ attention to detail, noting that he’s embracing all aspects of professional basketball life. “All the small things that you teach a young player on how to be a professional, he’s doing and he’s doing a great job so far.”
Graves got his first taste of NBA action during Friday’s 129-125 pre-season loss to the Detroit Pistons, logging 23 minutes at centre. While his shooting struggles were evident – making just four of 13 field-goal attempts and missing all five three-point attempts – his teammates and coaching staff remained supportive.
“My shot wasn’t falling, but they tell me to keep shooting,” Graves said, relaying the encouragement he received. “‘We know you can shoot. We see you do it every day. We see you work so hard on it, so just keep shooting.'”
Trusting the Development Process
Rajakovic emphasised that Graves’ adjustment period is entirely normal. “When players come, the first thing that they need to adjust is the speed of the game,” the coach explained. “For them at the beginning, the game is happening at such a high speed, and they need to slow down in order to understand what’s going on around them.”
“I think the most important thing is for players, for media, for everybody to understand that it’s a process. It’s not something that we’re going to throw him out there and he’s going to have all the answers. It’s going to take time.”
Why it Matters
Allen Graves represents more than just another draft pick for the Toronto Raptors – he embodies the franchise’s commitment to developing young talent through patience and proper coaching. In an era where instant gratification often overshadows long-term growth, the Raptors’ approach with Graves could yield significant dividends. His willingness to embrace any role, from starting lineup to G-League assignments, demonstrates a maturity beyond his years that bodes well for both his individual development and Toronto’s rebuilding timeline. As Canadian basketball continues expanding its global footprint, prospects like Graves serve as crucial bridges between collegiate excellence and professional success, potentially inspiring the next generation of Canadian players to pursue similar paths through the NBA system.