Raptors vs Celtics: Kawhi needs the kids to learn fast in Summer League

Amidst the uncertainty of the latest chapter in the Kawhi Leonard saga, the Toronto Raptors have a Summer League circuit to tackle. Game one tips-off against the Boston Celtics on Friday at 9:00 p.m. EST on NBA TV Canada.

Here are three storylines worth your attention ahead of the matchup.

Will Allen Graves make an immediate impact?

It was like clockwork. Allen Graves is the latest Raptor rookie to be greeted by a combination of resistance, indifference, and disappointment. But after the success story that Collin Murray-Boyles authored last season, there’s a reality that Raptors General Manager and Vice-President Bobby Webster strikes gold for the second year in a row.

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Assuming Murray-Boyles plays with a minutes or game restriction, expect the Raptors to lean on Graves to play the roles of defensive savant and offensive Swiss Army knife. The 19-year-old has similar defensive instincts to Murray-Boyles, but Graves can also deploy his reliable jump shot on the offensive end.

The mystery that shrouds Graves’ game can begin to dissipate based on how he fares against elevated athleticism and speed. While the Celtics were among the slowest teams in pace last year, expect their Summer League roster to get out and run.

Stat line prediction: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

The rest of the youth movement

When Leonard was traded to the Raptors in 2019, he was surrounded by budding stars and elite role players. During Toronto’s championship run, Head Coach Nick Nurse often turned to youngsters like OG Anunoby (21), Fred VanVleet (24), Pascal Siakam (24) and Norman Powell (25).

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By the start of this season, these will be the current Raptors aged 25 or under who are expected to play rotational minutes:

Collin Murray-Boyles (21)

Jaden Bradley (23), Alijah Martin (24) and Chucky Hepburn (23) will also battle for minutes, with their journey beginning in the Summer League opener.

Leonard doesn’t have much time left before he sunsets into retirement. The Raptors moved off rotational pieces like Jonas Valanciunas, CJ Miles and Delon Wright in 2019, and fans can expect the front-office to do the…

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Publish date : 2026-07-10 13:11:00

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