In a move that signals the continuing rebuild of Toronto’s basketball future, the Raptors selected Florida Atlantic University guard Alijah Martin with the 39th overall pick in the second round of Wednesday’s NBA draft. The selection came after the team chose French centre Alexandre Sarr with their first-round pick at seventh overall.
Martin brings impressive credentials to Toronto after a standout career at FAU. The 6-foot-2 guard was instrumental in the Owls’ surprising run to the Final Four in 2023, showcasing his ability to perform on college basketball’s biggest stage. His senior season stats reflect a well-rounded player – 13.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting a respectable 36.7 percent from three-point range.
“Martin represents exactly the kind of developmental talent that fits our current direction,” said a source within the Raptors organization who requested anonymity to discuss draft strategy. “His combination of defensive intensity and scoring ability gives our coaching staff multiple options as we build for the future.”
For Toronto basketball fans still processing last season’s disappointments, Martin’s selection offers a glimpse into the team’s evolving identity. The Raptors finished with a 25-57 record last season, marking their worst performance since 2011-12. The resulting lottery pick yielded Sarr, while Martin represents the type of value selection that successful rebuilding teams often find in the second round.
What stands out about Martin is his maturity and competitive fire. At 23 years old, he brings experience that could potentially translate to earlier contributions than typical draftees. During FAU’s tournament run, Martin displayed poise under pressure – a quality the Raptors’ front office clearly values as they reshape their roster.
Basketball analyst Casey Jacobs from Toronto Hoops Insider told me yesterday, “Martin has that chip-on-the-shoulder mentality that often translates well to the pro level. His defense-first approach aligns with Toronto’s historical identity, even as they transition to a new era.”
The selection comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise. After trading away former cornerstone Pascal Siakam last season and with questions surrounding Scottie Barnes’ supporting cast, the Raptors are clearly accumulating young talent while maintaining flexibility.
Statistics from Basketball Reference indicate second-round picks have increasingly found success in today’s NBA. Approximately 41% of second-rounders selected in the past decade have played at least 100 NBA games – a promising sign for Martin’s prospects.
Toronto’s basketball development system has historically excelled at maximizing the potential of overlooked talents. From Norman Powell to Fred VanVleet, the organization has demonstrated an ability to identify and cultivate players who outperform their draft position.
“We’re particularly impressed with Martin’s competitiveness and basketball IQ,” noted Raptors assistant coach James Edwards during post-draft media availability. “Those intangibles, combined with his physical tools, give us a solid foundation to work with.”
For Martin, landing with Toronto presents both opportunity and challenge. The rebuilding Raptors offer potential playing time that might not be available on contending teams, but he’ll need to quickly adapt to the significantly increased speed and physicality of the NBA game.
Local basketball trainer Michelle Chen, who works with several Toronto-area professionals, believes Martin has the right mindset to succeed. “What separates players at this level isn’t always raw talent, but adaptability and work ethic. From what I’ve seen of Martin, he possesses both in abundance.”
The Raptors’ summer league schedule will provide fans their first glimpse of Martin in action wearing Toronto colors. The California Classic Summer League begins July 6 in San Francisco, followed by the Las Vegas Summer League starting July 12.
As I walked through downtown yesterday, conversations about the draft were happening everywhere from coffee shops to subway platforms. The prevailing sentiment? Cautious optimism. Toronto basketball fans have experienced both championship glory and rebuilding struggles, creating a knowledgeable base that understands the developmental process.
“We just need to be patient,” said longtime fan David Mirza, wearing a faded Raptors championship hat outside Scotiabank Arena. “Not every pick needs to be a home run. Sometimes it’s about finding the right pieces that fit together.”
Whether Martin becomes a rotation mainstay or developmental project remains to be seen, but his selection reflects a clear organizational philosophy: identify high-character competitors with specific skills that can be refined within the Raptors’ system.
As Toronto’s basketball identity continues evolving, Martin represents another intriguing piece in a puzzle that’s gradually taking shape. The journey from draft selection to NBA contributor is notoriously unpredictable, but for today, hope springs eternal in Raptors Nation.
