Raptors draft 6-foot-8 forward to address rebounding gap
Allen Graves, 19th pick from University of Santa Clara, averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds last season.
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The Toronto Raptors have addressed a key weakness by selecting 6-foot-8 forward Allen Graves from the University of Santa Clara with the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Raptors ranked fifth-worst in the NBA last season in rebounds, averaging only 41.7 per game. They were also out-rebounded in their first-round playoff loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Graves was considered one of the most versatile players available in the first round and someone who can contribute to the rotation right away on the offensive and defensive boards.
During his final year with the University of Santa Clara, Graves led the Broncos in both points and rebounds, averaging 11.8 points per game and 6.5 rebounds. The Raptors also hold the 50th overall pick in the draft. Graves will head to Toronto later this week to meet with the team and media, but his first appearance in a Raptors uniform will likely come at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas next month.