The Toronto Raptors made a slightly controversial pick at No. 19 overall when they selected Allen Graves. However, through two NBA Las Vegas Summer League games, Graves has been everything the Raptors could have hoped for.
Allen Graves has lived up to expectations in Summer League
Graves was heralded as someone who could knock down open three-point shots while creating extra possessions with his high basketball IQ. He has done exactly that through two games. His first game offered the best glimpse of Graves' upside. He finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. He also shot 3-for-8 from beyond the arc.
Graves' ability to generate extra possessions was on full display. Five of his 13 rebounds came on the offensive glass, helping Toronto create additional scoring opportunities.
On the other end of the floor, Graves helped limit the opponents' shot attempts by recording five stocks (steals plus blocks). That smart, positional play was one of the traits that attracted the Raptors' front office to him during the pre-draft process.
Graves' second Summer League game was much quieter. He scored an efficient nine points on 4-for-7 shooting while knocking down one three-pointer and recording one steal. Despite the quieter performance, Graves still showed his ability to be in the right place at the right time. The opportunities simply did not come his way as often.
Can Allen Graves carry this play into the regular season?
All in all, Graves has not looked like a superstar through two games, but he has been exactly as advertised for Toronto. Raptors fans should be encouraged by the way he has lived up to expectations.
If he continues playing this way during the regular season, he could become a smart defender and reliable shooter off the bench as a rookie. That would be a huge win for Toronto.
The Raptors have two more guaranteed Summer League games. If Graves continues to make smart defensive plays and knock down open shots, Raptors fans should be extremely encouraged by his ability to become a positive contributor as early as this season.
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