The Toronto Raptors may have found a solid contributor in Allen Graves, but there’s already one question many fans are asking: Did they just let a future star slip through their fingers?

Toronto selected the versatile Santa Clara forward with the No. 19 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, continuing a trend that has defined the franchise for years—targeting underrated, high-IQ, multi-positional players with strong analytical profiles.

On paper, Graves makes plenty of sense.

The 6-foot-8 forward brings versatility, defensive flexibility, and the kind of all-around game that the Raptors’ front office has traditionally loved. With Sandro Mamukelashvili expected to depart in free agency, Graves could immediately fill an important role in Darko Rajakovic’s rotation.

But as soon as the selection was announced, attention quickly turned to the names that were still available.

And one player, in particular, is already causing concern among Raptors fans.

Did Toronto Pass on a Future Superstar?

Alabama guard Labaron Philon was still on the board when Toronto made its pick. Just three selections later, the Philadelphia 76ers happily scooped him up.

That alone is enough to make Raptors supporters nervous.

Philon put together a sensational season, averaging 22.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting over 50 percent from the field and nearly 40 percent from three-point range.

More importantly, he looked every bit like an NBA lead guard.

He can create his own shot, attack defenders off the dribble, thrive in the pick-and-roll, and make plays for teammates. His offensive package is one of the most complete in this draft class.

For many scouts, he wasn’t just another prospect—he was one of the biggest steals available.

A Familiar Draft Mistake?

The concern isn’t necessarily that Allen Graves won’t become a good player.

It’s that the Raptors may once again have prioritized fit over pure talent.

Toronto has faced this criticism before.

Many fans still remember the decision to draft Malachi Flynn over Desmond Bane in 2020, a move that continues to haunt the franchise years later.

Now, some fear history may be repeating itself.

Even though the Raptors already have Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead in the backcourt, Philon’s versatility means he could have played alongside both players.

Earlier in his college career, he excelled as an off-ball guard, showcasing his three-point shooting and defensive ability.

Adding another creator and floor spacer around Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram could have significantly boosted Toronto’s long-term outlook.

The Worst Part? He Landed With a Division Rival

Perhaps the most painful part of the entire situation is where Philon ended up.

The Philadelphia 76ers.

That means Toronto could be forced to face him four times every season for years to come.

The Raptors already have enough problems dealing with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and rising star VJ Edgecombe.

If Philon develops into the player many expect him to become, the Raptors may have just handed a dangerous weapon directly to one of their biggest rivals.

Allen Graves Still Has Plenty to Prove

None of this means Allen Graves will be a bad pick.

Far from it.

He could become exactly the type of dependable two-way forward that helps winning teams compete deep into the playoffs.

But NBA drafts are often remembered not for who a team selected—but for who they passed on.

And if Labaron Philon turns into the star many believe he can be, Toronto’s decision on draft night could become one of the most debated moments of the Raptors’ rebuild.

For now, the pressure is on Graves to prove the Raptors got it right.