Northern Bound and Ready to Rise: Alijah Martin Joins Toronto Raptors as No. 39 Pick in NBA Draft, Bringing Grit, Scoring Punch, and Big-Moment Pedigree to the North
Alijah Martin’s journey to the NBA has been anything but conventional, and now the next chapter begins in Toronto. Selected with the 39th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Raptors, Martin is bringing his trademark toughness, dynamic scoring, and championship mentality to a franchise seeking its next breakout star. In a draft rich with high-profile names and elite prospects, Martin stands out not because of hype or headlines but because of heart. The Raptors, long known for their ability to uncover hidden gems and develop overlooked talent into NBA contributors, have once again bet on a player who fits their mold—hungry, unafraid, and ready to compete from day one.
A standout at Florida Atlantic, Alijah Martin helped put the school on the national basketball map with a series of dazzling performances that showcased his ability to rise in clutch moments. From deep postseason runs to highlight-reel plays that ignited crowds, Martin proved time and time again that he belonged on the biggest stages. Despite not hearing his name called in the first round, the 6-foot-2 guard didn’t flinch, and neither did the Raptors. Toronto has built its identity around players with chips on their shoulders—Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby—and now they add another to that list in Martin.
What makes Martin an ideal fit for the Raptors isn’t just his skill set but his approach. A rugged defender with an offensive motor that doesn’t quit, Martin plays with the kind of intensity that has long endeared him to coaches and teammates alike. He’s a player who doesn’t need plays called for him to impact the game, willing to dive for loose balls, fight through screens, and take on the challenge of guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player. His offensive game, too, is built for versatility. Martin can score at all three levels—driving into the lane with power, knocking down shots from beyond the arc, and creating his own look in isolation when needed. His ability to adapt to different roles, whether as a scorer or facilitator, gives the Raptors flexibility in how they deploy him on the floor.
For Toronto, this pick represents more than just talent acquisition—it’s about culture fit. The franchise is in the midst of a rebuilding phase, having transitioned away from the core that won them a championship in 2019. With Scottie Barnes taking on a leadership role and young prospects like Gradey Dick, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley developing into key pieces, adding a competitor like Martin injects new energy and toughness into the locker room. Toronto’s fan base, known for its loyalty and basketball IQ, will no doubt appreciate Martin’s work ethic and fearless style of play. He’s the kind of player who thrives in hostile environments, something Raptors fans can relate to in their “us-against-the-world” mentality.
It’s also worth noting the broader implications of Martin’s selection. The 39th pick has often produced underrated contributors in NBA history, and the Raptors have historically done well in that range. Think Norman Powell at No. 46 or even Fred VanVleet, who wasn’t drafted at all but became an All-Star and NBA champion. Toronto has earned a reputation for its player development system, and with Alijah Martin now in their ecosystem, the expectation is that he won’t just make the roster—he’ll push for rotation minutes sooner rather than later. His game might not scream flash, but it shouts substance, and that’s what the Raptors value most.
Martin’s college career at FAU was a masterclass in growth and consistency. Across multiple seasons, he proved he could carry a scoring load, lead a locker room, and elevate his game under pressure. His performances in March Madness turned heads, not just for the statistics but for the way he dominated key moments. Coaches and scouts took note of his poise, his leadership, and his ability to execute when everything was on the line. It’s those intangibles—his understanding of the game, his feel for momentum, his clutch shot-making—that made him such an attractive pick at No. 39. The Raptors are getting more than just a stats guy—they’re getting a competitor who knows how to win.
From a developmental standpoint, Toronto offers Martin a perfect launching pad. Head coach Darko Rajaković is known for nurturing young talent and giving them opportunities to grow through real minutes. With the Raptors expected to focus on internal growth rather than immediate contention, Martin should get every chance to carve out his niche. Whether it’s through the G League’s Raptors 905 program or directly with the main roster, he’ll have the support and infrastructure needed to maximize his potential. The emphasis will be on refining his shot mechanics, improving decision-making as a secondary ball-handler, and expanding his playmaking responsibilities—all areas he showed promise in during his collegiate career.
Beyond the court, Martin’s story resonates with fans who love an underdog. Hailing from Mississippi and developing into a star at a mid-major school, his path has been marked by perseverance and self-belief. That kind of narrative aligns perfectly with a franchise like Toronto, which has long celebrated the grit and grind it took to rise in a league dominated by bigger-market teams. Just as the Raptors rose from obscurity to champions, so too does Martin aim to rise from second-round pick to indispensable contributor. He’s not coming to the NBA for a cameo—he’s here for a legacy.
The Raptors’ draft strategy in recent years has emphasized athleticism, versatility, and defensive upside, and Martin checks all those boxes. At 6-foot-2 with a strong frame and explosive first step, he can handle both guard spots and guard multiple positions thanks to his physicality. He’s not the prototypical long-limbed wing the Raptors have favored in the past, but he offers a different dimension—compact power, relentless hustle, and the kind of shot-making ability that can swing games. His three-point shooting, while streaky at times, showed enough promise to believe he can be a reliable catch-and-shoot threat at the next level. Combine that with his ability to finish through contact and absorb defensive schemes, and he becomes a versatile tool in the Raptors’ evolving system.
Toronto’s front office, led by Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster, made it clear with this pick that they are still focused on building through character, not just stats. In Alijah Martin, they’ve found someone who leads by example, doesn’t shy away from adversity, and brings a battle-tested mentality to a young team still searching for its identity post-Kawhi Leonard. He might not be the loudest voice in the room, but his play speaks volumes. And in a league that values confidence and accountability, Martin has both in spades.
As the Raptors prepare for Summer League action, Martin is already turning heads in early workouts and gaining praise from coaches and teammates for his professionalism. While nothing is guaranteed in the NBA, especially for second-rounders, Martin’s outlook is promising. The Raptors don’t just give minutes—they make players earn them, and that’s exactly the kind of environment where Martin thrives. His ability to adapt, compete, and contribute in different roles gives him a realistic shot at becoming a rotation mainstay sooner than many expect. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that doubting Alijah Martin is a mistake.
The road ahead won’t be easy. NBA defenses are quicker, smarter, and more physical than anything he’s seen before. But if there’s one thing Martin has proven, it’s that he’s never been intimidated by a challenge. Whether it’s facing Power 5 schools as an underdog at FAU or earning a spot among the world’s best basketball players, he brings the same unwavering belief in himself to every arena. In a Raptors uniform, that belief will be tested—and, if he has his way, rewarded.
Alijah Martin’s selection by the Toronto Raptors at pick No. 39 may not have made national headlines in the moment, but don’t be surprised if it does down the line. The Raptors saw something in him that many others missed—a will to win, a motor that never stops, and a game that’s more polished than advertised. This is a player who will make the most of his opportunity, because that’s all he’s ever done. For Toronto, it could be the beginning of another great story. For Alijah Martin, it’s the beginning of proving once again that he belongs—only now, on basketball’s biggest stage.
