The Toronto Raptors experienced a major roster shakeup this offseason when valuable stretch-big Sandro Mamukelashvili departed in free agency, signing a lucrative four-year, $53 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
While losing Mamu wasn’t entirely unexpected—given that multiple rival franchises were circling with offers the Raptors simply couldn’t match—his departure leaves a massive void. Mamukelashvili enjoyed a phenomenal breakout campaign in Toronto last year, posting career-high numbers across the board (11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game on 52.3% shooting) and playing an instrumental role in helping the franchise secure its first playoff appearance since 2022.
Rather than chasing an expensive veteran replacement in free agency, Toronto opted for a bold, unorthodox internal pivot. Their quietest offseason decision may ultimately dictate whether the Raptors can sustain their momentum in a brutal Eastern Conference.
Enter Allen Graves: The No. 19 Overall Solution
Anticipating that Mamukelashvili would command a price tag beyond their comfort zone, the Raptors went ahead of the curve in the 2026 NBA Draft by selecting Allen Graves out of Santa Clara with the No. 19 overall pick.
Sharing an identical 6-foot-9 frame with his predecessor, Graves arrives in Toronto with a reputation for high-level positional versatility and a polished offensive skill set. The franchise is preparing to thrust the rookie straight into the fire, asking him to step into the backup center and power forward rotation that Mamukelashvili once anchored.
Putting that level of trust in a first-year player carries inherent risks, but the front office believes Graves possesses the tools to handle the transition.
Elite Floor Spacing and Offensive Fit
What makes Graves such an intriguing prospect for Darko Rajakovic’s system is his three-level scoring ability. Crucially, he is a legitimate sniper from deep, having connected on over 41 percent of his three-point attempts during his college career.
Unlike traditional interior bigs who clog the lane, Graves forces opposing defenses to respect him out on the perimeter. That perimeter gravity is vital for unlocking Toronto’s offense, as it opens up driving lanes for elite slashers like Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, while also giving star forward Scottie Barnes the operating room he needs. Because Barnes thrives as a playmaker and defender but lacks a reliable outside shot, surrounding him with elite floor-spacers is a tactical necessity.
Defensively, Graves boasts a near 7-foot wingspan, giving him the flexibility to guard multiple positions, switch out onto smaller perimeter players, and hold his ground against traditional big men. Given that the Raptors lack great roster depth in sheer size outside of starting center Jakob Poeltl, Graves will be asked to play big minutes in small-ball lineups.
High Stakes and Big Expectations
Replicating what Mamukelashvili brought to the table on a nightly basis is a tall order for any rookie. However, the Raptors’ decision to pass on alternative free-agent options shows absolute conviction in Graves’ upside.
If the rookie can translate his shooting efficiency and defensive IQ to the professional level immediately, the Raptors won’t just replace Mamu—they may have uncovered another foundational building block for the future. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Allen Graves to see if he can turn Toronto’s quietest draft gamble into their loudest success story!
