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The Toronto Raptors began their Summer League endeavors last night in an 83-80 overtime defeat to the Boston Celtics. In a game where Toronto led for 79% of the contest, Boston was able to make a late push, capped off by a game-tying three-pointer by the No. 27 pick in the NBA Draft, Chris Cenac Jr.
There was hype around the game after the report of Collin Murray-Boyles’ expected usage in the Summer League. That was quickly stifled with the announcement of a finger injury, which ruled him out before the contest. Instead, the attention went mostly to the No. 19 pick in the draft, Allen Graves.
Toronto Raptors forward Allen Graves (22) | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
With the Raptors desperately needing help at point guard and center, Graves was not a fan-favorite pick, to say the least. However, he has shined in several interviews since being drafted, and it seemed he had a great understanding of his game and how he can help the Raptors win.
Last night, he proved that he was exactly right. The former Santa Clara Bronco finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. While they didn’t win the game, he gave them a chance at the end of overtime when he earned two offensive rebounds to give his teammates looks to tie the game again. His impact was felt on both ends immediately, forcing turnovers, starting the fast break, and attacking the basket as soon as the game began.
A critique of one of the commentators, Doris Burke, was that she would’ve liked to see him be more assertive as the game closed. The ball ran through Chucky Hepburn to end the fourth quarter and overtime, and while Graves was undoubtedly the best player on the floor in the game, he succumbed to his teammates and trusted them to finish what they all had started.
While this may be a fair critique, it’s important to note that he wasn’t drafted to be a star. The Raptors thrive when RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and soon Kawhi Leonard will have the ball; Graves is going to find impact as a screener, cutter, or off-ball shooter on the offensive end. Not to mention, his defensive emphasis and upside have a significant impact in why he was drafted by the Raptors, and he proved that in his first game.
It’s easy to expect the best players to take over games offensively, but that’s not always what makes them great. However, that was just Game 1 for the Raptors Summer League squad. Maybe head coach Ivo Simović will tell Graves to run the offense at the end of the next close game, and this debate will be put to rest. Game 2 is tonight against the Houston Rockets at 9:30 PM EST, with Murray-Boyles questionable to return.
Continue reading...
There was hype around the game after the report of Collin Murray-Boyles’ expected usage in the Summer League. That was quickly stifled with the announcement of a finger injury, which ruled him out before the contest. Instead, the attention went mostly to the No. 19 pick in the draft, Allen Graves.
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Toronto Raptors forward Allen Graves (22) | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
With the Raptors desperately needing help at point guard and center, Graves was not a fan-favorite pick, to say the least. However, he has shined in several interviews since being drafted, and it seemed he had a great understanding of his game and how he can help the Raptors win.
Last night, he proved that he was exactly right. The former Santa Clara Bronco finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. While they didn’t win the game, he gave them a chance at the end of overtime when he earned two offensive rebounds to give his teammates looks to tie the game again. His impact was felt on both ends immediately, forcing turnovers, starting the fast break, and attacking the basket as soon as the game began.
A critique of one of the commentators, Doris Burke, was that she would’ve liked to see him be more assertive as the game closed. The ball ran through Chucky Hepburn to end the fourth quarter and overtime, and while Graves was undoubtedly the best player on the floor in the game, he succumbed to his teammates and trusted them to finish what they all had started.
While this may be a fair critique, it’s important to note that he wasn’t drafted to be a star. The Raptors thrive when RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and soon Kawhi Leonard will have the ball; Graves is going to find impact as a screener, cutter, or off-ball shooter on the offensive end. Not to mention, his defensive emphasis and upside have a significant impact in why he was drafted by the Raptors, and he proved that in his first game.
It’s easy to expect the best players to take over games offensively, but that’s not always what makes them great. However, that was just Game 1 for the Raptors Summer League squad. Maybe head coach Ivo Simović will tell Graves to run the offense at the end of the next close game, and this debate will be put to rest. Game 2 is tonight against the Houston Rockets at 9:30 PM EST, with Murray-Boyles questionable to return.
Continue reading...
