New Toronto Raptors draft pick Allen Graves is already dreaming of seeing global ambassador Drake wearing his jersey from courtside seats at Scotiabank Arena. Speaking after being selected 19th overall in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night, Graves said, “I mean, obviously that would be a big flex just having Drake rocking my jersey courtside. I know he’s a big part of the Toronto Raptors, so his support would be amazing … tell him to reach out.”
Graves joins tradition of asking for Drake’s support
Graves is not the first Raptors draft pick to publicly seek Drake’s endorsement. Last year, ninth overall pick Collin Murray-Boyles expressed the same goal. When asked how high that priority was, Murray-Boyles laughed and said, “I guess, it is on the list, but it’s going to obviously take a lot of work. I’m ready to work, ready to rep the city. So we’re going see.” Murray-Boyles, named to the NBA’s All-Rookie second team last month, told Amazon’s Taylor Rooks he planned to tag Drake on Instagram as soon as he landed in Toronto.
In 2023, Gradey Dick, selected 13th overall, also asked reporters to “get Drake a jersey. I need Drake to wear my jersey.”
Drake’s role as Raptors global ambassador
Drake has served as the Raptors’ global ambassador since 2013. He told ESPN that the role began after he “came into the venue one night and … was extremely outspoken about what I felt could change. That sparked a discussion and (we) sat down and decided we had the same visions. It just turned from a discussion to a reality.” Drake emphasized his connection to Toronto, saying he cares “about the city more than anything in the world” and namechecked former Raptors like Vince Carter, Damon Stoudamire, and Tracy McGrady as inspirations.
Graves ready to embrace the North
Graves, who averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game for the Santa Clara Broncos last season, described himself as a “cerebral player” and a “connective piece.” He praised new teammates Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles for their two-way impact, saying, “Both of those guys, their impact on both ends of the floor, being able to impact offensively as well as defensively. That’s something I want to do at the next level.”
Graves also reflected on his visit to Toronto earlier in the spring. “It was amazing. I saw the culture there and how amazing it was.” He noted the family culture of the city aligns with his upbringing in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. “I come from Ponchatoula, La., so there’s a big support system there. It’s kind of an everybody knows everybody town. So just having that feeling coming up north is going to be amazing. The family culture of it. That’s what I’m used to. That’s what I grew up in. Knowing that same thing is in Toronto waiting for me is an amazing feeling.”
