The Toronto Raptors continued to lean into their organizational philosophy of drafting versatile forwards above all else, as they used the No. 19 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to select Santa Clara forward Allen Graves. Despite the lack of gaudy production at mid-major Santa Clara, Graves has risen through the process due to his status as an analytics darling.
Graves coming to Toronto may finally give them a solid bench option on the wing after trying to shoehorn in guards when situations didn't warrant him, but he should be able to move down to the frontcourt at times. This versatility and feel for the game is what sold Bobby Webster and Darko Rajakovic on him as a prospect, and it's also what could spell doom for a 2025 fan favorite.
Just a few months after cheap free agent acquisition Sandro Mamukelashvili put the finishing touches on a terrific first season in Canada, it appears as though the Graves selection was done with the intention of giving Toronto a versatile bench piece that can provide the same spark Mamukelashvili had last season.
Allen Graves selection could be bad news for Sandro Mamukelashvili
Mamukelashvili averaged 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in what was the finest season of his career. While rookie Collin Murray-Boyles integrated himself into the starting lineup, Mamu provided excellent 3-point shooting and rim-running. However, Mamukelashvili may have played himself out of a role in free agency by creating three factors that could impact negotiations.
First, Mamu may be eyeing an eight-figure contract after his breakout year, which could place a strain on Toronto's finances. Second, he struggled in the playoffs, as his defensive upside proved to be even more limited against the best teams. Finally, Graves' ability to move into thd frontcourt in smaller lineups might make Mamukelashvili redundant.
The Raptors' selection of Graves could mean that Collin Murray-Boyles will fully transition to the starting lineup, giving the rook a role as a traditional power forward who can stretch to the 3-point line. Toronto may target a defense-focused rim protector in free agency, furtehr alienating Mamukelashvili.
The 6-8, 230-pound Graves averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 stocks (1.9 steals, 0.9 blocks) per game while shooting 41% from 3-point range. Those numbers coming off the bench for the Broncos may seem pedestrian, but he accomplished that in only 22 minutes per game. Imagine what a bigger workload could lead to.
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