Raptors rookie Allen Graves on first NBA game, rebounding and Drake

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Allen Graves seems like the type of player Toronto Raptors fans are going to like a lot.

The rookie forward plays extremely hard, has a nose for the ball and isn’t afraid to go into the tough spaces. The 19th pick of June’s draft made a good first impression on Wednesday night in Toronto’s blowout win over the Chicago Bulls.

While his offensive stats didn’t stand out (five points on 2-for-5 shooting, including two three-point misses), Graves collected five rebounds in his 19 minutes, along with three blocked shots and a steal, looking the part of one day being an impactful defender and rebounder. Billed as an ideal role player for the Raptors down the line, it’s possible Graves will be able to make an impact quicker than expected.

“I thought that Allen was great,” said Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic who made him the 10th player called on and had said earlier in the week he thinks Graves is ready to be part of the rotation right away. “I think he was really trying to rebound the ball and go after it every single time. I think that that’s super important. And for him, it’s understanding that every minute that he spends on the court is super valuable. That he’s just going to continue learning the league, learning teams, tendencies, the speed of the game, getting his conditioning right.”

Graves pulled down four offensive rebounds, the second-most in a debut by a Raptors rookie behind the 12 Jonas Valanciunas grabbed in his first NBA game 14 years ago. He said that’s an area he can definitely contribute in immediately.

“Definitely. I mean, that’s something that I know I can impact right away,” Graves said. “On the offensive glass and just being that presence where if Kawhi, if Scottie or any of those guys, if they miss, get the ball, get it right back to them.

“I feel I can make a role out of that and just attack it each and every day.”

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First taste of the NBA

Graves had imagined what his first game would be like for many years. It lived up to the billing.

“It was definitely amazing, an amazing feeling, just being able to hear my name called, play my first official NBA game, it was just a dream come true,” Graves said. “Even like sitting there in the national anthem, you’re just looking up, and you see it on TV a lot. But just being able to be in that moment and just look around, did my prayer and just got ready to play.”

Adding to the moment was the presence of Drake courtside. The star rapper and Raptors global ambassador wasn’t around much last year, but was front and centre for his friend Kawhi Leonard’s first game back.

Graves wasn’t initially sure if he should say hello or leave Drake alone.

“I was debating whether I wanted to reach my hand out, try to get a high-five or not,” said a smiling Graves. “But I didn’t end up doing it.”

Graves was holding the game ball while conducting the interview. Raptors assistant coach Jama Mahlalela tracked it down for him.

“I’m gonna sign it and write my first NBA points or my first something, NBA something,” Graves said of the ball. “And date it, and then put it in a case, and it’ll never be touched again.”

The first step of becoming an NBA player has been achieved.

“I got a new level unlocked. Just excited to be here and get my first points in the NBA. Officially a part of the brotherhood,” Graves said.

The next step: Becoming a Raptors fan favourite.

@WolstatSun