The Toronto Raptors are set to open their 2026 NBA Summer League campaign this Friday with a high-profile clash against the Boston Celtics. While the headlines are understandably focused on the sophomore sensation Collin Murray-Boyles—who is expected to be a short-term participant before returning to Toronto—the true narrative of this tournament lies elsewhere. For the Raptors to transition from a playoff team into legitimate championship contenders following the emotional homecoming of Kawhi Leonard, they need cost-effective, high-impact depth.
That is where Alijah Martin comes in.
The “Culture Fit” with Something to Prove
Martin, a member of the Raptors’ 2025 draft class, didn’t have a flashy rookie season, but he checked every box regarding “Raptors culture.” He is tough, defensively disciplined, and possesses an infectious energy that head coach Darko Rajakovic values above all else. His rookie year was a developmental marathon: he spent the bulk of his time with the Raptors 905 in the G League, where his numbers were nothing short of eye-opening.
In 40 appearances with the 905, Martin averaged a dominant 18.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Even more importantly, he scorched the nets from long range, shooting a blistering 39.6% from three-point territory. It is these G League numbers that suggest his dismal NBA shooting splits—which saw him hover below 20% from deep—were more a symptom of erratic minutes and “first-year jitters” than a lack of actual shooting ability.
Why Las Vegas is the Turning Point
Summer League provides a platform that Martin hasn’t had: a long leash. Throughout his college career at Florida and Florida Atlantic, Martin was a proven perimeter threat, hitting at a 36.4% clip from beyond the arc. The tools are clearly there; he just needs the confidence of a “focal point” role to rediscover his stroke.
In Vegas, Martin will no longer be fighting for seven-minute scraps off the bench. He will be the primary playmaker and the go-to scoring option. If he can replicate his G League efficiency on the main stage, the Raptors’ coaching staff will have no choice but to carve out a consistent spot for him in the regular-season rotation.
Building the Depth Needed for a Title Run
The Raptors have championship aspirations. With Kawhi Leonard back in the fold, the team is entering a “win-now” window that leaves zero room for dead weight. Every minute of bench production will be scrutinized. Martin already possesses the defensive instincts and the physical tools to anchor a “bench mob” unit—he just needs to prove he can stretch the floor.
If Martin can transform into a reliable “3-and-D” wing who can hit open shots and switch on defense, the Raptors’ roster construction becomes infinitely more dangerous. It would allow them to stagger Kawhi Leonard’s minutes without sacrificing spacing, effectively lengthening the team’s dangerous lineups.
The Verdict
The journey for Alijah Martin doesn’t start in the regular season; it starts this Friday in Las Vegas. He has the toughness and the motor to be an everyday NBA player—now he needs the numbers to prove it. For a Raptors team desperate to solidify their bench, Martin’s breakout could be the most underrated story of the entire summer.
Raptors fans, what are you expecting from Alijah Martin in Vegas? Do you think he has the ceiling to earn a permanent spot in the regular-season rotation, or should the front office still look to add more veteran depth?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below—it’s time to see if the “Bench Mob” has officially found its next breakout star! 🦖🏀
