The Toronto Raptors officially introduced their 2026 draft picks Allen Graves and Jaden Bradley in Toronto on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Head coach Darko Rajakovic and general manager Bobby Webster joined the two players for a photo, marking the beginning of their NBA careers with the franchise.
Draft selections and team strategy
The Raptors selected Graves and Bradley in the first and second rounds, respectively, as part of their strategy to bolster the roster with young talent. Graves, a forward known for his scoring ability, and Bradley, a guard with strong defensive skills, are expected to contribute immediately in the upcoming season.
According to the team, both players have shown promise during pre-draft workouts and are eager to develop under Rajakovic's coaching system. The Raptors are looking to build on their recent playoff appearance and integrate these rookies into their rotation.
Player backgrounds and expectations
Allen Graves, 21, played college basketball at a top NCAA program, where he averaged 18.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in his sophomore season. Jaden Bradley, 20, transferred to a different university after two seasons and posted 14.3 points and 5.1 assists per game last year.
General manager Bobby Webster expressed confidence in the draft class, stating, "We believe both Allen and Jaden have the talent and work ethic to become key contributors for our team." The Raptors are optimistic that the duo will help address areas of need, particularly perimeter shooting and defensive versatility.
Impact on the Raptors' roster
The additions of Graves and Bradley come as the Raptors look to reshape their lineup after several roster changes in the offseason. With veterans like Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes anchoring the team, the rookies will have opportunities to learn from experienced players.
Rajakovic emphasized the importance of player development, saying, "We have a clear plan for their growth, and we're excited to see them compete in training camp." The team's schedule for the 2026-27 season will be announced later this summer.
