2026 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Allen Graves
Allen Graves became one of the trendier names to start this year's pre-draft process.
Scouts started to pick up on his production and potential pro fit about midway through the season. Analytics departments love him. Everyone has been drawn to the particular boxes he checks for a freshman.
But he also played in a weaker conference and didn't generate much attention from scouts in high school.
However, if his numbers at Santa Clara are true indicators, there is a clear role and value for a player with his particular skills and strengths.
Essential Facts, Stats, Combine Measurements
College: Santa Clara | Position: PF | Age: 19 | Height: 6'7.75" | Weight: 226 lbs | Wingspan: 7'0" | PPG: 11.8 | RPG: 6.5 | APG: 1.8 | BPG: 0.9 | SPG: 1.9 | FG%: 51.2 | 3PT%: 41.3 | FT%: 75.0
Realistic Pro Comparison: Robert Covington
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Allen Graves' size, shooting and limitations all point to a three-and-D forward/connector piece.
Like Robert Covington, Graves has power-forward size, three-point confidence and wing-like defensive movement and instincts.
Offense won't run through either, but these are the types of players who'll be targeted by teams that want more support for their top scoring options.
Strengths
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Strength 1: Shooting
Graves shot 41.3 percent from three and 75.0 percent from the line, which are encouraging numbers for a 19-year-old power forward. He should be able to plug right in as a stretch/pick-and-pop 4.
Strength 2: Defensive instincts
Graves' defensive playmaking highlights show unteachable instincts, anticipation and feel for making plays on the ball. He finished with a ridiculous 4.9 steal percentage and solid 4.9 block percentage. Graves' ability to blow things up and create turnovers should remain a part of his identity.
Strength 3: Impact
As a freshman at Santa Clara, Graves finished No. 6 in the country in box plus-minus, sandwiched between projected top-five picks Caleb Wilson and Darryn Peterson. His particular strengths consistently helped impact games at both ends.
Weaknesses
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Weakness 1: Athleticism
Graves didn't test well athletically at the NBA combine, and his 51.7 percent finishing mark on layups highlights his lack of explosion. He could have trouble blowing by or scoring against length inside.
Weakness 2: Creation
Though capable of defending wings, he doesn't create or score like one. Graves didn't receive one pick-and-roll ball-handling possession. He worked well from the post, but Graves didn't demonstrate any real face-up skills.
Weakness 3: Shooting versatility
Graves only took two pull-up jump shots all season. Opponents will close out hard, knowing he's more comfortable catching-and-shooting than putting the ball down.
