Allen Graves Excited by Drake Support After Raptors Draft Selection
Toronto Raptors first-round draft pick Allen Graves is hoping to see global ambassador Drake sporting his new jersey from courtside seats at Scotiabank Arena after being selected 19th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night.
“I mean, obviously that would be a big ask if Drake was just rocking my jersey on the sidelines. I know he’s a big part of the Toronto Raptors, so his support would be great… tell him to come forward,” Graves said with a laugh during his post-draft press conference.
The newest Raptor called Drake’s backing “just another advantage for the team and another tempting factor in being selected by the Toronto Raptors.”
A Tradition Among Raptors Draft Picks
Graves isn’t alone in courting Drake’s support. Last year’s ninth-overall pick, Collin Murray-Boyles, shared the same ambition. When asked how high becoming “a boy with Drake” was on his priority list, Murray-Boyles laughed and replied, “I think it’s on the list, but it’s obviously going to take a lot of work. I’m ready to work, ready to represent the city. So we’ll see.”
Murray-Boyles, who earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors last month, admitted it would be “amazing” to see Drake in his jersey. Amazon sideline reporter Taylor Rooks revealed that the former South Carolina forward planned to tag Drake on social media the moment he touched down in Toronto.
“The first thing I have to do when I’m in Toronto is post on my Instagram story, put a Drake song on there and then I’ll attack it,” Murray-Boyles said.
The request echoes former Kansas guard Gradey Dick’s appeal during the 2023 NBA Draft, when Dick told reporters, “Get Drake a jersey. I want Drake to wear my jersey.”
How Drake Became the Raptors’ Global Ambassador
Drake has served as the Raptors’ global ambassador since 2013. He told ESPN that the role came about after he walked into a venue one night and was “extremely outspoken about what I thought could change.”
“That sparked a discussion and we sat down together and came to the conclusion that we had the same vision,” Drake said. “It just went from a discussion to a reality.”
The Grammy-winning artist emphasized that Toronto means everything to him. “This city means more to me than anything else in the world,” he said, crediting former Raptors stars Vince Carter, Damon Stoudamire, and Tracy McGrady for sparking his love of basketball.
“I’ve supported the franchise through our ups and downs. Above all, I’m a Toronto guy. I’m a city guy,” Drake said.
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 “smart player” and “connector” while expressing enthusiasm about joining the Raptors.
When asked which current players inspire his style, Graves pointed to Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles. “Both guys, their impact on both ends of the court, their ability to make an impact both offensively and defensively — that’s something I want to do at the next level,” he said.
Graves also spoke warmly about his earlier visit to Toronto. “I saw the culture there and how great it was,” he said. Coming from Ponchatoula, Louisiana — “a town where everyone knows everyone” — Graves believes the family atmosphere in Toronto will feel like home.
“Knowing that the same thing is waiting for me in Toronto is an incredible feeling,” he said.
