Josh Lewenberg: After playing greatest hits at draft, Raptors will need to be bold this summer - TSN
Raptors Draft Selections
The Toronto Raptors have added two new players through the recent NBA Draft, selecting Allen Graves 19th overall in the first round and Jaden Bradley 50th overall in the second round. Graves, a power forward from Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was chosen on Tuesday night, while Bradley, a guard from Arizona, was selected. Both players have since travelled to Toronto to meet with the team, sign their contracts, and tour the practice facility.
Graves, who stands at approximately six feet, nine inches, aligns with the Raptors’ historical preference for athletic forwards of similar stature, a philosophy previously dubbed “Vision 6’9” by former team president Masai Ujiri. General Manager Bobby Webster confirmed that the team’s philosophy continues to prioritize “best available two-way players.” Graves expressed his enthusiasm, stating that he knew his player type was something the Raptors valued and that he felt ready to compete at the professional level.
During his single season at Santa Clara, Graves averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He also contributed 1.9 steals and 0.9 blocks per game, earning him the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year awards. Graves highlighted his defensive capabilities, including quick hands and instincts, as key attributes. He also demonstrated an ability to shoot, making 41 percent of his three-point attempts as a freshman.
Bradley, a four-year collegiate player, averaged 13.3 points, 4.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals over 39 games with the Wildcats. He was the only player drafted in the second round to be kept by the team that originally selected him, a gesture he appreciated as a vote of confidence from the Raptors organization. Bradley emphasized his commitment to improving his shooting and playmaking, as well as minimizing turnovers, to benefit his teammates.
Team Philosophy and Future Outlook
The Raptors’ draft strategy has consistently focused on long, versatile two-way forwards in the first round and experienced, defensive-minded guards in the second round. Webster noted that the team’s philosophy has always been to select the best available two-way players, avoiding the trap of drafting solely for immediate fit in the first round. This approach has led to the selection of players like Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Collin Murray-Boyles, as well as the acquisition of undrafted free agent Fred VanVleet and Jamal Shead.
Webster explained that the “position-less-ness” of the modern NBA means a team cannot have too many large, two-way wings. He referenced an earlier statement about wanting all five players to resemble Barnes, Anunoby, and Siakam in their versatility. While Graves shares many similar qualities and size with Barnes and Murray-Boyles, the team is not concerned about fit, anticipating that the roster could change significantly by the time Graves is ready to make a substantial impact.
The selection of Graves, who was not widely on the NBA radar until his freshman year at Santa Clara, reflects the Raptors’ trust in their scouting model. His profile, including his late emergence and experience playing point guard due to a late growth spurt, aligns with characteristics seen in previous successful Raptors draft picks. Graves’s strong defensive instincts and ability to shoot from beyond the arc are seen as valuable assets.
Off-Season Strategy
With the draft concluded, the Raptors are now shifting their focus to free agency and potential trades to address remaining roster needs, particularly at guard and centre. Webster indicated that the team aims to be opportunistic in the trade market throughout the summer and leading up to next season’s trade deadline. The recent trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat is seen as potentially clearing the way for other deals across the league.
The team’s decision to double down on its strengths by drafting Graves and Bradley, rather than directly addressing perceived weaknesses, suggests a long-term developmental approach. While Barnes and Murray-Boyles made immediate impacts as higher draft picks, Graves is expected to require more development time, with a best-case scenario potentially mirroring the trajectory of Ja’Kobe Walter, a previous 19th pick who found his niche later in his sophomore campaign.
As Webster takes on a more prominent leadership role, with his contract extension in place and a new deal for head coach Darko Rajakovic pending, the pressure is on to build upon a 46-win season and a playoff run. The Eastern Conference is expected to be highly competitive, with teams like the revamped Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and reigning champion New York Knicks all looking strong. The Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks are also anticipated to improve, while the Washington Wizards are aiming for competitiveness.
Graves and Bradley are preparing for the challenges ahead. Graves intends to focus on enhancing his defensive versatility, including switching and guarding multiple positions. Bradley plans to learn from veteran players like Shead and work on his shooting consistency, playmaking, and reducing turnovers. Both players arrived in Toronto shortly after their respective draft nights to begin their professional careers.
Source: tsn.ca
