https://youtu.be/I0pPngosIdI

From Brendan’s piece:

“The college profiles of Collin Murray-Boyles, Ja’Kobe Walter, Gradey Dick, and Scottie Barnes suggest the Raptors scouts are shifting towards more analytics-friendly prospects in recent years, and Graves would continue that trend.

On the defensive end, Graves can immediately slot in as yet another productive defensive forward for the Raptors. I really feel like his cohesion with CMB would work well, with CMB being tasked with guarding faster players and with Graves lurking on the backline ready to pick off a passing lane or help defend the rim.

On the offensive end, Graves will help provide some much needed spacing and playmaking in the front court. The Raptors badly need more shooting depth, and Graves would provide more room for players like Scottie and Ingram to operate, while also serving as a ball-mover in Darko’s system.

Also like… man the Raptors just really badly need more 3&D players.

Conclusion

The pitch on Graves is simple: a young blueprint for an ideal 3&D player who already checks off some very encouraging analytical boxes. Is there a star here? Unlikely, but Graves does all the little things well and could easily provide instant value for a team looking to start contending in the near future. He will need to prove that his game can keep up against stronger competition, which is why he’ll be a mid-to-late first rounder instead of a lottery pick, but that’s one of the less-risky gambles to take at this point in the draft.

Consensus NBA Draft Range: 17-28

Brendan’s Ranking: 20th

Floor Projection: Provides 3&D value in a rotation role, but struggles to adjust to NBA competition and game doesn’t evolve much from where it currently is.

Ceiling Projection: Starter, high-level contributor for any serious contending team due to his valuable, intangible skillset. Increased strength and improved IQ results in one of the league’s best defenders.”